NATURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MANAGEMENT

Learning Sheet Solution 2

Explain and Write in your notebook

a) In order to enter into profession one has to acquire an educational degree by clearing specified examination
conducted by registered institutes. Which feature of profession is being revealed? (1)
(i) Restricted entry (ii) Ethical code of conduct
(iii) Professional association (iv) Well defined body of knowledge
b) The style of singing of Arijit Singh and Guru Randhawa are different to each other, however they acquired
some knowledge of ragas. Identify the feature of art discussed above. (1)
(i) Based on practice and creativity (ii) Universal validity
(iii) Existence of theoretical knowledge (iv) Personalised application
c) Scientific principles are developed through observations and repeated experimentation.(1)
d) All professions are based on well-defined body of knowledge.(1)
e) A manager applies the various theories of management in his unique personalised way. What aspect of
nature of management does this statement indicate? (1)
- Management is an art.
f) Hema is one of the most successful managers of her company, ‘Kobe Ltd.’ She uses her creativity and
initiative in handling challenging situations at work. The knowledge gained by her during her student days at
a renowned management institute as well as through her observation and experience over the years is
applied by Hema in a skilful manner in the context of the realities of a given situation. She often reads books
and other literature in various fields of management to keep her knowledge updated.(4)
(i) An aspect of the nature of management is being highlighted in the above description. Identify the
aspect.
- Management is an art.
(ii) Explain any three features of the aspect identified in part (i).
Characteristics of an Art
1. Existence of Theoretical Knowledge: Any art (like dancing, public speaking, acting and music)
presupposes the existence of certain theoretical knowledge. A successful manager practices the art of
management in the day-to-day job of managing an enterprise based on study, observation and
experience. There is a lot of literature available in various areas of management (like finance, marketing,
human resource, etc.) which the manager has to specialise in. There is existence of theoretical knowledge.
2. Personalised Application: The use of this basic knowledge varies from individual to individual. Art is,
therefore, a much personalised concept. For example, two dancers, two speakers, two actors, or two
writers will always differ in demonstrating their art. A manager applies the scientific methods and body of
knowledge to a given situation, and issue or a problem in his own unique manner. For example, there are
many qualified singers and cricketers but Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar has achieved the highest
degree of success. This characteristic of art is also present in management as every manager has his own
unique style of managing things and people, although all managers learn same management theories and
principles.
3. Based on Practice and Creativity: Art involves the continuous practice of existing theoretical knowledge.
Management satisfies this criteria as a manager gains experience through regular practice and becomes
more effective.
4. Creativity: Art involves creativity For example, music is based on seven basic notes and the musician
uses them in a creative manner for making his composition unique or different. A.R. Rehman, a famous
musician, is an example of practice and creativity of art. He is the first Indian to win the Oscar Award
recently for his composition ‘Jai Ho’.
Like any other art, a manager often studying various situations, formulates his own theories for use in a
given situation. This gives rise to different styles of management.
Conclusion: On comparing the characteristics of art with management we find that all the characteristics
of art are present in management. Hence, we call management as an art of getting things done through
people.
g) Is management a ‘Science’? Give any three reasons in support of your answer. (5)
Characteristics of Science
1. Systematised Body of Knowledge: Scientific principles are based on cause and effect relationships.
Management has systematised body of knowledge. It has its own theory and principles that have
developed over a period of time. Thus, this feature of science is present in management.
2. Principles Based on Experiments and Observation: Scientific principles are first developed through
observation and then tested through repeated experimentation. The principles of management are
derived over a period of time through observation and repeated experimentation. Thus, this feature of
science is present in management.
However, since management deals with human beings and human behaviour, the outcomes of these
experiments are not capable of being accurately predicted. Therefore, management can be called an
inexact science.
3. Universal Validity: Scientific principles have universal validity and application. Principles of
management provide managers with certain standardised techniques that can be used in different
situations. However, since the principles of management are not as exact as the principles of pure science,
their application and use is not universal. They have to be modified according to a given situation.
Conclusion: Management is an inexact science. It is neither a precise nor as comprehensive as the pure
science like Physics or Chemistry.
h) “Management is regarded as an Art by some, as Science or as an inexact Science by others. The truth seems
to be somewhere in between.” In the light of this statement, explain the true nature of management. (5)
- Management as an Art: -
- Art is the application of know-how and personal skill in a particular situation to achieve desired
results. It involves acquisition of skills and abilities.
- It aims to achieve concrete results.
- Continuous practise is required to get perfection.
- There is existence of theoretical knowledge, personalised application and based on practise and
creativity.
- Management as Science: -
- Science is defined as a systematic body of knowledge based on observations, an experimentation and
intelligent speculation.
- It explain cause and effect relationship between different variables.
- It verifies the authenticity of knowledge acquired. It comprises basic principles applicable universally
and capable of use for predictive purposes.
- Hence, Management is considered both as an art as well as science because.
- Management has systematic body of knowledge as in science and art.
- Management principles are based on repeated experiments as in science.
- Management requires personalised application as an Art.
- Management is based on practice and creativity as required in Art.