COM203B12: CORPORATE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION

Credits: 3 Hours: 45
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Management 08 Hours

Session:2
Management as a Science, art or profession.
Management is oldest of Art and Youngest of Science
It is said that "management is the oldest of arts and the youngest of sciences". This explains
the changing nature of management but does not exactly answer what management is? To
have an exact answer to the question it is necessary to know the meanings of the terms
"Science" and "Art".
What is "Science"?
Science may be described- "as a systematic body of knowledge pertaining to an area of study
and contains some general truths explaining past events or phenomena".
The above definition contains three important characteristics of science. They are
1. It is a systematized body of knowledge and uses scientific methods for observation
2. Its principles are evolved on the basis of continued observation and experiment and
3. Its principles are exact and have universal applicability without any limitation.
Judging from the above characteristics of science, it may be observed that-
1. Management is a systematized body of knowledge and its principles have evolved on
the basis of observation.
2. The kind of experimentation (as in natural sciences) cannot be accompanied in the
area of management since management deals with the human element.
3. In management, it is not possible to define, analyse and measure phenomena by
repeating the same conditions over and over again to obtain a proof.
The above observation puts a limitation on management as a science. Management like other
social sciences can be called as "inexact science".
What is "Art"?
'Art' refers to "the way of doing specific things; it indicates how an objective is to be
achieved." Management like any other operational activity has to be an art. Most of the
managerial acts have to be cultivated as arts of attaining mastery to secure action and results.
The above definition contains three important characteristics of art. They are-
1. Art is the application of science. It is putting principle into practice.
2. After knowing a particular art, practice is needed to reach the level of perfection.
 3. It is undertaken for accomplishing an end through deliberate efforts.
Judging from the above characteristics of art, it may be observed that-
1. Management while performing the activities of getting things done by others is
required to apply the knowledge of certain underlying principles which are necessary
for every art.
2. Management gets perfection in the art of managing only through continuous practice.
3. Management implies capacity to apply accurately the knowledge to solve the
problems, to face the situation and to realise the objectives fully and timely.
The above observation makes management an art and that to a fine art.
Management is both a Science as well as an Art
Management is both a science as well as an art. The science of management provides certain
general principles which can guide the managers in their professional effort. The art of
management consists in tackling every situation in an effective manner. As a matter of fact,
neither science should be over-emphasised nor art should be discounted; the science and the
art of management go together and are both mutually interdependent and complimentary.
Management is thus a science as well as an art. It can be said that-"the art of management is
as old as human history, but the science of management is an event of the recent past."
Management as a Profession
Management as a Profession imparts certain social responsibility and dignity to the
discipline. A Professional cannot be controlled or directed by the client. He has professional
knowledge and judgment which he uses to make his decision. Thus, professionalization
makes business more efficient, dynamic and socially responsible. The growth of management
education in India has contributed to professionalization in the business field. There has been
a growing trend towards professionalization of management.
The company form of business organization which has split ownership from management and
the gaining popularity of the company form of business organization have increased the need
for professional managers.
Is management a profession? To answer this question, first of all we should understand what
a profession is. Many authorities on the subject have attempted to define a profession.
According to Abraham Flexner, A profession is -
1. A body of specialized knowledge and recognized educational process of acquiring it.
2. A standard of qualifications governing admission to the profession.
3. A standard of conduct governing the relationship of the practitioners with clients,
colleagues and the public.
 4. An acceptance of the social responsibility inherent in an occupation and the public
interest.
5. An association or society devoted to the advancement of the social obligations as
distinct from the economic interests of the group.
According to Lewis Allen, " a professional manager is one who specializes in the work of
planning, organizing, leading and controlling the efforts of others and does so through a
systematic use of Classified knowledge, a common vocabulary and principles, who
subscribes to the standards of practice and code of ethics established by a recognized body".
According to Peter Drucker, "Professional management is a function, a discipline, a task to be
done; and managers are the professionals who practice this discipline, carry out the functions
and discharge these tasks. It is no longer relevant whether the manager is also an owner; if he
is it is incidental to his main function, which is to be a manager.”

Answer the following questions:

1. Management is an “Art and Science”. Discuss.
2. On What basis do you characterize Management as a Profession.