Question

management is an art or science
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Answer 1

Management is science because of several reasons—it has universally accepted principles, it has cause and effect relationship, etc, and at the same time it is art as it requires perfection through practice, practical knowledge, creativity, personal skills, etc. Management is both art and science.2

Answer 2

$\sf\red{Management \: as \: a\: science}$

Science can be defined as a systematic and organised body of language based on logically observed findings, facts and events.

Science comprises of exact principles which can be verified and it can established cause and effect relationship.

Main characteristics of science are:

• Systematic body of knowledge- In science organised systematic study material is available which is used to acquired the knowledge of science. Like Science and Management also there is availability of systematic and organised study material. So first feature of science is present in management.
• Principles are based on experimentation- Scientific principles are developed through observations and then tested through repeated experiments. The management principles are also developed through observation and experiments but since management deal with human beings and human behaviour cannot be accurately predicted. This feature of science is partially present. So management can be called as in exact science.
• Universal validity- Scientific principles of Universal application and validity. Management principles are not exact like scientific principles so their application and use is not universal. They have to be modified according to the given situation. So this feature of science is not present in management.

$\sf\red{Management \: as \: an\: Art}$

Art can be defend a systematic body of knowledge which requires skill, creativity and practice to get perfection.

The main characteristics of art are:

• Systematic body of knowledge- In every art there is systematic and organise study material available to acquired theoretical knowledge of the art. For example, various books on different Ragas are available in music. in management also there is systematic and organised body of knowledge available which can help in acquiring managerial studies. So this feature of art present in management also.
• Personalised application- In the field of art only theoretical knowledge is not enough. Every artist must have personal skill and creativity to apply that knowledge. For example, all musicians learn some ragas but they apply these Ragas according to their personal skill and creativity which make them different. In management also all managers learn same management theories and principles. But their efficiency depends on how will they use these principles under different situations by applying personal skills and creativity. So this feature of art is also present in management.
• Based on practice and creativity- The artist requires regular practice of art to become more perfect and fine. Without practice artist lose their perfection. Art requires creative practice that is artist must add his creativity to the theoretical knowledge he has learned. Same way with experience managers also improve their managerial skills and efficiency. So this feature of art is also present in management.