Why management is not pure science …

Science teaches us to know while art teaches us to do. In order to be successful, managers have to know and do things effectively and efficiently. This requires a unique combination of both science and art of managing in them. Management follows a systematic method to find the possible solution for a problem. It is true that the science underlying managing is inexact or a soft science at best.

Elements of Art in Management

• Practical Knowledge: Art requires practical knowledge, learning of theory is not sufficient. Art applies theory in the field. Art teaches the practical application of theoretical principles.For example-Learning how sing does not make you a musician; one must know all composition and be able to use them.Similarly, A person may have a degree that says he know what a manager do but if doesn’t know how to apply management knowledge in real life situations he will not be regarded as manager.
• Personal Skill: A manager will not depend on his theoretical knowledge or solution alone. he or she must have some qualities that make him or her unique.
• Creativity: An Artist’s work is not limited to his practical knowledge. He thinks outside the box and creates things extraordinary.Management is also creative in nature like any other art. Management is all about finding a new way to be well different from other.
• Perfection through practice: Every artist becomes better through item and practice. they learn from their mistakes. Similarly, managers become more expert as he spends more time in management thought.
• Goal-Oriented: Art is result oriented. Management works are also goal or result oriented. Management takes steps for the attainment of the goal.

Elements of Science in Managing

Science presupposes the existence of organized knowledge. The essence of science is the application of scientific method to the development of knowledge that proceeds through the stages discussed below:

• Concepts: Scientific approach requires a clear “concepts” of mental images of anything formed by generalization from particulars. Managing has concepts to deal with situations.
• Methods and principles: “Scientific method” involves the determination of facts through observation.This leads to the development of “principles” which have value in predicting what will happen in similar circumstances. Similarly, management requires observation and sets standard or principles according to it.
• Theories: Any branch of science has theories. A ‘theory” is a systematic grouping of interdependent concepts and principles that give a framework to, or ties together, a significant area of knowledge.Management studies over the years developed many proved theories for making management more realistic or scientific.
• Organized knowledge: Science is organized Knowledge. If we compare, management at the present day is a distinct field of organized knowledge. Concepts, methods, principles, theories etc. are now the core of management.
• Practice: The theories of managing are the results of practice, and the role of such theories is to provide a systematic grouping of interdependent concepts and principles that furnish a framework to, or ties together significant pertinent management knowledge.The theories of motivation, leadership, and so on may be cited/mentioned as examples.But it is to be borne in mind that concepts, methods, principles of management are not as rigid as those of the physical sciences. They may undergo revision and change under new sociopolitical and economic circumstances.

Thus we can say management is both science and art.