Is Management an Art or a Science?

Like any other discipline such as law, medicine or engineering,managing is an art – at least that is what most people assume. Management concepts need to be artistically approached and practiced for its success. It is understood that managing is doing things artistically in the light of therealities of a situation.

If we take a closer look at it, Management, when practiced, is definitely an art but its underlying applications, methods and principles are a science. It is also opined that management is an art struggling to become a science.

Management as an Art

The personal ingenious and imaginative power of the manager lends management theapproach of an art. This creative power of themanager enriches his performance skill. In fact, the art of managing involves the conception of a vision of an orderly whole, createdfrom chaotic parts and thecommunication and achievement of this vision. Managing can be called "art of arts" because it organizes and uses human talent, which is the basis of every artistic activity.

Management as a Science

Management is a body of systematizedknowledge accumulated and established with reference to the practice and understanding of general truth concerning management. It is true that the science underlying managing is not as accurate or comprehensive as physical sciences (such aschemistry or biology) which deal with non-human entities.

The involvement of the human angle makes management not only complex but also controversial as pure science. Nevertheless, the study of the scientific elements in management methodologies can certainly improve the practice of management.

Management as a Science and Art

Science urges us to observe and experiment a phenomenon,while art teaches us theapplication of human skill and imagination to the same. In order to be successful, every manager needs do things effectively and efficiently. This requires a unique combination of both science and art. Wecan say that the art of managing beginswhere the science of managing stops. As the science of managing is imperfect, the manager must turn to artistic managerial ability to perform a job satisfactorily.

Management – Role of Managers

Every organization has ‘Managers’ who are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and directing the organization to achieve its goals.

 Managers administer and coordinate resources effectively and efficiently to channelize their energy towards successful accomplishment of the goals of the organization. Managers are required in all the activities of organizations. Their expertise is vital across departments throughout theorganization.