Nature of management

NATURE OF MANAGEMENT

Presented By,

SHAIJY.S (Teacher Trainee)Commerce OptionalKUCTE, Kumarapuram

NATURE OF MANAGEMENT

Management experts have different views on the nature of management. Some are of the opinion that management is a science, some others hold the view that it is an art and yet others say it is a profession. Taking all these views into account, we can determine the nature of management.

A. MANAGEMENT IS A SCIENCE

A strong group of management experts say that management has some unique features in common with science. Following are the special features of science which are compatible with the features of management.

Features of science are:-

Science is systematically arranged branch of knowledge:

Science is a systematically arranged branch of knowledge. Its principles are evolved through experiments and observations and they are combined and preserved in different study materials. This holds good with management also. Management principles are also evolved through experiments and observations and they are also combined and preserved.

Principles are formed from continuous research:

Scientists develop scientific principles after numerous experiments carried out in different places and under different circumstances. This approach is true of management as well. Management has developed its principle after numerous experiments in different companies at different places.

Principles are universally applicable:Scientific principles are universally

applicable. For example, if molecules of hydrogen and oxygen are mixed, we get water anywhere in the world. However, management principles cannot be applied universally and in the same way. Since management is related to man, its principles are related to human behaviour, his culture, education and life style. Therefore universal applicability of science may not be compatible with management principles. For example, in a community of Buddhist monks, management principles may not work out.

Scientific principles are formulated on the basis of observation and logic:

Scientific principles are defined after logical observation. Moreover, observation of scientists will be hundred percent objective. But managers observe human beings and observation of managers may not be cent percent objective. Therefore this principle of science is also not compatible with management principles.

When scientific principles and management principles are compared, we can reach the following conclusion.

Of the four features of science, the first two features are latent in management principles also. But the last two principles are not seen in management. Therefore it is not possible to say that management is an exact science like physics or chemistry. As management is related to man, we can say, management is a social science.

Conclusion

B. MANAGEMENT IS AN ART

A group of management experts are of the view that management is an art. Therefore let us examine the features of art and see whether they are compatible with the characteristics of management.

Features of art are:- Theoretical knowledge is systematically

arranged in art:The theoretical knowledge of art is

systematically arranged in the books in order to enable the people to absorb the various aspects of art. For example, several books are a available which give about different aspects of music. In management also several books have been published giving knowledge about different aspects of management. Thus systematic arrangement of theoretical knowledge is an aspect common to both art and management.

Art gives importance to individual differences:

An artist becomes perfect in his work of art by combining the knowledge he has gained with his own inherent talents. For example, even though different dancers are trained by the same trainer, some of them excel by adding their natural talents. In management also all managers learn same theories and principles, but their efficiency depends on how well they use these principles under different situations by applying their own personal creativity and skill. So this feature of art is also present in management.

An artist gains perfection through constant practice:

Just as an artist gains perfection through constant practice, the managers become more perfect from their experience they have gained from the different circumstances. That means art and management have this characteristics in common.

ConclusionAs management has all the features of art

in common, we can say that management is an art.

C. MANAGEMENT IS BOTH SCIENCE AND ART

As management is systematically arranged body of knowledge, it is a science. As this collection of knowledge is practically applied, it is also an art.

Management is both science and art

As art

Management is a systematically arranged collection of knowledge.

As science

Management principles are gained through constant research.

Art is a collection of theoretical knowledge.

Individual differences are important in art.

An artist gains perfection through constant practice.

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