Question -
Answer -
Management can be regarded as both an art as well as science from the following points
A. Management as Art
1. Management has a well-defined literature which is required for gathering knowledge in the theories and accelerate learning. There are many examples of management literature which is available such as Taylors Scientific Management Theory and Henry Fayol’s 14 principles of Management. These theories help in understanding the various concepts of management.
2. Management knowledge can be utilized by everyone in their own way, very much like arts where words can be expressed in form of writing differently by different poets, and music notes arranged by musicians to perform a musical piece, or the use of colours by a painter to draw vivid paintings. Similarly, managers use the various theories and principles in trying situations to make use of management knowledge.
3. Arts is all about expressing and innovating using creativity such as two artists will enact the same scene in two different ways. Similarly, two different managers will be managing the situation differently. Sometimes managers can come up with an innovative and fresh ideas to address the situation.
Management as Science
1. Science is a systematic discipline and management also shares similar characteristics. Like science, management also relies upon theories and principles to address issues that arise. Management has a separate vocabulary and terms which it uses to define certain processes.
2. Theories in science have been developed after a prolonged observation and repeated experiments, similarly to some extent management also bases its theories on regular observation and experiments, such theories will act as guidelines for management in the long run.
3. Scientific theories have universal validity, and in management also we see the principles are to some extent universally valid, and some can change as per situation. Such theories and principles can be used as basic information for training the managers.