MANAGEMENT AS A SCIENCE:

Generally science is more than a study but rather a systematic and organised body of
knowledge based on logically observed findings, facts and events.

The main features of science

1.Principles are based on repeated experiments
2.Systematic body of knowledge
3.Universal Validity
4.Scientific principles are derived on the basis of logical and scientific observation

1.Principles are based on repeated experiments:

Scientific conventions are originally formed via research and then tested via repeated trial
and error under the regulated situations.
2.Systematic body of knowledge:
Organised and systematic study material is available and used to acquire knowledge
in science. Science is a precise entity of knowledge. Its systems are based on a purpose and
consequences association.
3.Universal Validity:
Scientific conventions have global genuineness and application. Management principles
unlike scientific once are not universally applicable as they have to be modified to suit
different situation.
4.Scientific principles are derived on the basis of logical and scientific observation:
Before any principle or theory is passed, scientists do logical observations. One of the most
important aspects of these observations is utmost objectivity because result can’t be half
truth. Manager’s too have the responsibility to observe, but theirs is an observation.
MANAGEMENT AS AN ART

Art is a very interesting subject as it has been given quite a number of definitions since time
immemorial. It can be defined as systematic body of knowledge which requires skill,
creativity and practice to get perfection. Some of art’s characteristic are very prevalent in
management.

The main features of art

1.Personalised application
2.Based on practice and creativity
3.Existence of theoretical knowledge

1.Personalised application:
Art is purely a personalised application of knowledge to a particular field. One can
acquire as much theoretical knowledge of art as they can buy it can never suffice the
demand of the field. Getting the work done by the managers is purely personalised
application of their knowledge and experience and their effectiveness vary from
person to person. For example, all musicians learn same ragas but they apply these
ragas according to their personal skill and creativity which makes them different.
2.Based on practice and creativity:
Performance in any art is purely based on practice and the creativity of an individual
It varies from person to person.Similarly, every manager has his / her own unique style
of functioning and delivers results differently.
3.Existence of theoretical knowledge:
Not only does art have various definitions, it also comes in different forms and
each one of them there is systematic and organised study material available to acquire
theoretical knowledge of the art. Education in Management is imparted with the help of
theoretical knowledge in various colleges and universities. Examples- BBA, BBS, MBA.
MANAGEMENT AS A PROFESSION

Most people fail do differentiate between a profession and a job. One does not necessarily
need specialised skills to qualify for a job. To qualify for a profession requires more. By
definition a profession is an occupation backed by public servants specialized knowledge and
training, in which entry is restricted. Let us explore the characteristics of a profession.

The main features of profession

1.Well defined Body of knowledge
2.Restricted Entry
3.Presence of professional associations

1.Well defined Body of knowledge:

All services are based on a well-defined form of education that can be procured through
education. There are large numbers of books available on management studies. Scholars
are studying various business situations and are trying to develop new principles to tackle
these situations. So presently this feature of profession is present in management also.
2.Restricted Entry:
The entry to a profession is restricted through an examination or degree. For example to
become a chartered accountant in India an aspirant has to clear a detailed examination
regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Whereas there is no legal restriction on appointment of a manager, anyone can
become a manager irrespective of the educational qualification. But now many companies
prefer to appoint managers only with MBA degree. So presently this feature of profession
is not present in management but very soon it will be included with statutory backing.
3.Presence of professional associations:
For all the professions, special associations are established and every professional has to get
himself registered with his association before practising the profession. For example
lawyers have to get themselves registered with Bar Council of India.
In case of management various management associations are set up at national and
international levels which have some membership rules and set of ethical codes. So
presently this feature of profession is not present in management but very soon it will be
included and get statutory backing also.