Answer to Question #226208 in Management for Peter Masih

Question

You are part of a forum and research group where they are having a major discussion
and research on Management. The core area of this discussion is whether Management is
an Art or a Science. As the chairman of the forum, can you throw some light on whether
Management is an art or a science or both and Why? (10 Marks)

Answer 1

Management is both a science as well art. As a science, it has a systematic and well-organized body of knowledge and like art, it requires personal skill, creativity, and practice to apply such knowledge in the best possible way. Science and art are not in contrast to each other; both exist together in every function of management. It is classified as a science since it consists of a systematic body of information that incorporates universal truths. Management is said to as an art since it necessitates specific abilities that are unique to managers. Science is concerned with the acquisition of knowledge, whereas art is concerned with the application of that knowledge and talent. To be successful in his career, a manager must learn science and the skill of implementing it. As a result, management is a careful combination of science and art, because it demonstrates the principles while the application of these concepts is a work of art. Science teaches how to know, while art teaches how to do.