It is a matter of discussion whether management should be regarded as a science or an art of both. For this purpose, we have to assess different views, as given below:
Management as a science. Science is a systematically organized body of knowledge based on proper findings and exact principles and is capable of verification. The generalizations are made on the basis of empirical studies and so they may be applicable in future also. In order to be recognized as science, a subject should have the following characteristics:
(a) A systematized body of knowledge including concepts, principles and theories.
b) Is should establish cause and effect relationship.
(c) Methods of enquiry should be universally applicable. Like other social science, management is also related with human beings and it is not an exact science like physics of chemistry. Though inexact, management, like social science, is based on a systematized body of knowledge; its practice depends on cause and effect relations, and not on the personal likes and dislikes of managers. Principles of management, as in the case of science, are also derived from observations and experiments.
Management as an art. Art is concerned with the application of knowledge and skills. Desired results are achieved through the application of skill.
Thus an art has the following characteristics:
(a) It signifies practical knowledge.
(b) It signifies personal skills in a particular field of human activity.
(c) It helps in achieving desired/predetermined results.
(d) It is creative in nature.
Management is also an art since it involves application of knowledge and personal skills to application of knowledge and personal skills to achieve desired results. Every manager has to apply certain knowledge and skills while dealing with the people to achieve the desired results. As an art, management calls for a group of abilities, skills and judgments and a continuous practice of management concepts and principles. From the above discussion, it is clear that management is both a science and an art.
