Management as Science, Art and Profession

Management as science

Basic principles of management are based on scientific observation and experiments and are applied in all types of organization. So, it is a social science as it deals with people and behaviors.
Following are the various evidence to prove management as science.

1.    Existence of systematized body of knowledge

Management involves some basic system and procedures for the completion of work. These principles and techniques are practically implemented in present performance and may be used in future course of action.

2.    Basic truth and principles of universally applicable

Management is science because it is the truth which is experimentally proved and is applicable throughout the world. They are used in all types of organization like business, social and religious organizations of the world.

3.    Use of scientific methods of observation

Management principles are innovated on the basis of observation in various organization. However, the observation of management principles may not give the 100% objectives or result because it is a matter of human behaviors which cannot be predicted accurately.

4.    Principles based on experiment and research

Management principles are developed under basis of reputed experiment in many organizations. The concept of scientific management has been introduced only after long term experiment and observations. These principles can also be modified according to changing environment and knowledge of the society.

5.    Established cause and effect relationship

There is cause and effect relationship between various principles of management.

Eg: Authority and responsibility.
If a person is given more authority without any responsibility, there is chance of misuse of power. Again, if he is given only responsibility without any authority, he can’t devote his duties effectively. There must be balance between authority and responsibility.

Management as an Art

Management is the art of getting things done through others. For this purpose manager needs to play the role of an artist. As said by one of the famous scholar Mary Parker Follet, “It is an art of getting things done through others in order to achieve an organizational goal.”
The main element of art and involvement of those elements in management are as follows:

1.    Existence of practical knowledge:

Management is bsed on some principles for the completeion of work. A manager must have theoretical as well as practical knowledge of management principles. He cannot a successful manager simply by getting theoretical knowledge.

2.    Personal skill:

Manager in management have personal skill along with theoretical knowledge to come into result. Every manager may have own approach and style to solve any managerial problems. Every manager has to take step by using his personal skill according to time and situation.

3.    Result oriented approach:

Art is a system which emphasizes to the attainment of result. Management is an art because it concentrates in the result oriented approach. Manager has to focus on specific results like profit, expansion or growth of business.

4.    Creativity:

Creativity is important part of management. A manager has to use his personal intelligence , imagination and creativity to become a successful executive. He has to develop nbew strategy and policy in production, distribution and promotional activities.

5.    Improvement through practice:

Management has some specific principles but their way to implementation may vary from person to person because subjects are human beings. A manager has use his personal skill and practical knowledge when developing organizational strategy and taking any decision.

Management as Profession

The profession is an occupation which involves the rendering of personal service of a special and expert nature. In order to practice their profession they must have minimum academic and professional qualifications prescribed by law or by the related professional association. According to A.S. Hornby, “Profession can be defined as an occupation specially required advanced education and special training.” It is considered a profession because it consists of special knowledge, has formal training method, fees, has a code of conduct and have a representative organization. Management is a new branch of knowledge. It is developed as a profession because of the need of acquiring skills to solve problems. Hence, it is not a full fledged profession.

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