Is Management an Art, Science or a Profession Essay Example

considered as a science. The advancement of science of manage¬ment has been very fast. Management as a science should be differen¬tiated from the term ‘management science’ - which is used to refer to the application of quantitative techniques in solving managerial problems. Management is also an inter-disciplinary science because it draws freely on Economics, Mathematics, Sociology, Psychology and Anthropology. Being an in-exact social science, management cannot be as perfect as natural sciences like Physics, Chemistry and Biology. But Management is a social science as it involves the study of human behavior. It is a comparatively young and growing behavioral science. Management contains following of the characteristics of science. This are- 1.Systematized body of knowledge 2.Continuous application and observation 3.Universal application 4.Cause and effect relationship 5.Validity and verifiable.

Management as a Profession

Management is also regarded as a profession because the concept and component of the activities behavior and nature of professionals.

According to A.S. Hornby,” Profession can be defined as an occupation specially required advance education and special training.”

Followings component are included in profession.

1. Formal and advance education
2. Body of Systematized knowledge.
3. Formation of professional association.
4. Service oriented or priority to service.
5. Code of conduct or ethics.
6. Discipline From the above study, we conclude that management is a prestigious profession as well as art and science both.

According to American Society of Mechanical Engineers. "Management is the art and science of preparing, organizing and directing human efforts to control the forces and utilize the material of nature for the benefit of men.” Thus, it has now been

accepted that management is an art as well as science. It has the elements of both arts and science. In the words of Dean Stanley, "Management is a mixture of an art and science - the present ratio is about 80% art and 20% science."

A successful manager must not only acquire the knowledge of the science of management but learn to apply this knowledge. Competence in management requires mastery of scientific knowledge as well as practice in the use of knowledge. As a result this manager brings a bright future in his management profession.