Is Management an Art or a Science?

Management is both an art and a science, as it incorporates the systematic knowledge and principles of science along with the creativity and intuition of art to effectively lead and make decisions within organizations. Let's understand why we can say that management consists of both art and science features. 

There is much controversy about the nature of management, whether it is an art or a science. Management experts have given various viewpoints. As management is not physically present, it's an essential part of everyone’s life. Whether it's strategy formation for cracking a competitive exam like the CAT or planning to buy a new car, the first step begins with management. 

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For instance, managing your time to clear the CAT examination or your expenses to procure funds for a car. So, we can see that everyone practises management everywhere for continuous and necessary life improvement. 

This blog will talk about the nature of management and provide an answer to whether management is an art or science. Let’s find out.

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Table of Content

• Management as a Science
• Management as an Art 
• What is Management an Art or a Science?

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Management as a Science

Science deals with many principles and universally accepted truths. It is a systematic body of knowledge that deals with observations and experimentation. Science consists of the following parameters:

1. Application of Principles

Scientific methods show the truth about a particular field of study. These principles are applied worldwide in all places and times. Like science, management is a systematic body of knowledge available in management principles and concepts. Its theories have developed over time, and like other organized activities, management has its vocabulary in terms of definitions and concepts. 

2. Cause and Effect Relationship

Just like science has affected relationships between theories and principles, the same is true in the case of management. For instance, a dual boss system will lead to confusion. Similarly, when the efforts of the workers and subordinates are recognized. They feel motivated and give extra effort to achieve their goals. Hence, management as a science shows cause-and-effect relationships for various theories and principles. 

3. Validity and Predictability Testing

When we test valid and predicted principles, the result remains the same. Despite the place and time, you will get the same results every time you test these principles. For instance, you will get water when you add hydrogen to oxygen. Similarly, principles of management can be tested for validity. We can take the example of the division of work here. When an individual’s workload is divided, the quality of work can improve drastically. It will also enhance the employees’ productivity, speed, accuracy, and efforts. 

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Note: Management is more like a natural or exact science than a behavioural science. In the case of natural sciences, it is possible to study the effect of one factor on another by keeping other factors constant. However, in the case of management, it involves the study of individuals. For instance, it is impossible to understand monetary incentives’ effect on employee productivity. Various other factors can affect an employee’s productivity, such as targets, leadership, motivation, recognition, work environment, etc. Hence, management is acknowledged more as a behavioural science than a natural science. 

Management as an Art

Art implies the practical implementation of knowledge and skills to accomplish the required targets. The theoretical knowledge can be achieved via educational courses, research, or practice. Art involves using this knowledge in real life using a person’s own creativity and innovation. Art has the following characteristics: 

1. Practical Knowledge

Art requires its implementation in practical terms. For instance, if you want to be a good cricket player, only theoretical knowledge about its related terms is insufficient. You must practice cricket on the ground to become good at it. Similarly, the skills that make a good manager go beyond theoretical knowledge and degrees. One needs to practice management principles in real-life situations and analyze the outputs.

2. Based on Personal Experiences

The implementation of art by an individual differs from person to person. For example, many students learn music from the same institute, but the way they implement and present it differs. Similarly, the books and courses teaching management are the same, but how one practice is different. Everyone has their way of doing their job and practising it. Management as an art involves personalization as well. 

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3. Perfection through Practice

The more you practice your art, the better artist you become. This general statement is also true in the case of management. It becomes easier to manage your things the more time you invest in them. Managers learn from the strategies and approaches they implement. One method may or may not work or show the desired results, so they may try another method to see if it works. Thus, management is an art that tests the individual's creativity and innovation.

What is Management an Art or a Science?

Management comprises both the features of science and art. From the above pointers, we can clearly say that management is an art, a science, and both. It is considered a science as it has an organized body of knowledge comprising various universal truths. Management requires a specific skill set that requires managers' personal possession, which is why it is also an art. 

Science gives knowledge, while art is the application of that knowledge and skills. As a result, the answer to the question is whether management is an art or a science. Management is an art and science both because in order to achieve the desired result, traits of both science and art are equally essential. 

For example, if you want to become a good cricketer, you first need to understand various aspects and terminology related to cricket. Additionally, applying those theories and strategies is necessary for one to become a cricket player.

Similarly, the manager must know about management principles and use them in real-life situations to solve various managerial problems. This is why management as a science and art complement each other and go hand in hand. Science teaches you to “know,” whereas art tells you how to “do.” Here one of the old sayings gets changed, “Managers are born” with “Managers are Made.” 

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Conclusion

From the above discussion, none of the two views on whether management is an art or science can ultimately be denied. Management has the attributes of both science and art. It involves principles like science, which show almost the same results when tested in particular situations. 

Moreover, just like art requires practical implementation, management also requires real-time application of its principles and theories. So, we can conclude that management is both an art and a science. 

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