Difference Between Management as Art, Science and Profession with Examples
Management is a core concept in commerce and business studies that explains how people and resources are organised to achieve specific goals. The debate over whether management is an art, science, or profession is important for understanding its true nature and role in organisations. This topic forms the foundation for advanced commerce studies and practical business applications.
Management as Science, Art, and Profession: Concept Overview
Management is considered both a science and an art, and it increasingly functions as a profession. This means it combines systematic principles (like a science), creative skills (like an art), and follows certain standards seen in professions. Each perspective has its own characteristics and significance in daily managerial practices.
Management as a Science
Science is defined by systematic, organised knowledge, cause-and-effect relationships, and factual principles that can be tested. Management adopts many scientific features:
- It uses well-developed theories and principles, such as planning and division of work, based on observation and analysis.
- Management relies on systematic study, documentation, and academic resources—similar to how scientific study is structured.
- Experimentation and observation help managers test their principles in different situations, improving efficiency over time.
- Unlike natural sciences, management often adjusts its principles for people and environments since human behavior is unpredictable.
For example, two managers might handle the same situation differently with varying results, unlike scientific laws which are more universally applicable.
Management as an Art
Art is about creativity, intuition, skill, and individual practice. In management, these art-related aspects are important:
- Managers apply personal skills and creative solutions to solve problems and motivate teams.
- Developing expertise in management, just like in art, depends on continuous practice and experience over time.
- While there are structured tools and knowledge, every manager’s approach can be unique, and outcomes largely rely on individual application of skills.
- Management study materials and training support learning, but practical, real-world experience is key to mastery—just as in any art form.
Thus, creativity and individual styles make management an art. Regular practice and adapting knowledge to suit each situation are hallmarks of good managers.
Management as a Profession
A profession is typically an occupation with specialized education, a formal body of knowledge, and a code of conduct. Management meets several of these requirements:
- It has a structured and specialized body of knowledge taught in academic programs and professional courses.
- Entry for higher management positions often requires formal education, exams, or industry certifications.
- Professional associations exist to guide best practices and ethics in management roles.
- The core objective is efficient service—to help organisations achieve their goals effectively.
While management shows many professional traits, it differs slightly as not all practicing managers are formally registered or licensed like doctors or lawyers.
Comparison Table: Management as Science, Art, and Profession
| Basis | Science | Art | Profession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Type | Systematic and organized; factual principles | Practical application; creativity | Specialized, formal body of knowledge |
| Approach | Objective, often universal | Subjective, individual style | Professional standards and ethics |
| Learning Method | Study, experimentation | Practice, experience | Formal education, certification |
| Outcome Consistency | Predictable (in labs) | Varies by individual | Guided by rules and best practices |
| Example | Scientific management principles | Personal leadership style | Professional management qualifications |
Step-by-Step: Understanding the Application
- Identify the situation: Is it a structured problem needing systematic analysis (science)?
- Assess if a personal solution is needed: Would creative decision-making help (art)?
- Check for standards: Does solving the issue require professional knowledge or adherence to rules (profession)?
- Combine approaches: Use scientific tools for analysis, apply creativity for solutions, and follow professional guidelines for ethical outcomes.
Key Principles and Definitions
- Systematic Knowledge: Essential for science and profession; ensures management decisions are based on facts and analysis.
- Creativity & Skill: Marks management as an art—leaders develop unique approaches to motivate and guide teams.
- Professionalism: Means applying management knowledge with responsibility, standards, and ethics.
Practical Example
A company launches a new project. The manager uses a proven framework (science), adapts plans to team strengths (art), and adheres to company ethical standards (profession). This blend leads to effective, responsible project management.
Further Learning & Resources
- Study the Principles of Management for more structured knowledge.
- Practice scenario-based questions to build both analytical and creative skills.
- Explore professional codes and current standards in management for real-world relevance.
Mastering the idea of management as a science, art, and profession prepares you for advanced studies and real business challenges. Success in business comes from skillfully combining structured analysis, creativity, and professionalism in every decision.
FAQs on Management as an Art, Science, and Profession: Meaning, Features and Comparison
1. Is management an art, science, or profession?
Management is considered an art, a science, and a profession.
- As an art, it involves personal skills, creativity, and practical experience.
- As a science, it is based on systematic body of knowledge, principles, and cause-effect relationships.
- As a profession, it includes formal education, a code of conduct, and service orientation; however, it is not as strictly professionalized as fields like medicine or law.
2. Why is management called a science?
Management is called a science because:
- It has an organized body of knowledge based on principles and theories.
- Its principles are developed through systematic observation and experimentation.
- It establishes cause-and-effect relationships, though with less precision than pure sciences.
- Principles such as division of work and unity of command are universally applicable in organizations.
3. Why is management considered an art?
Management is considered an art because:
- It requires personal skills, creativity, and practice to achieve desired goals.
- Managers apply knowledge uniquely based on their experience and intuition.
- Success depends on how effectively a manager adapts and innovates in different situations.
4. Why is management considered a profession?
Management is considered a profession because:
- It has a formal body of knowledge and established principles.
- Managerial roles often require specific qualifications and training.
- There are recognized management associations with codes of conduct.
- However, management does not require mandatory licensing, so it is not a ‘full’ profession.
5. List the main features of management as an art.
Main features of management as an art:
- Personal skill and creativity
- Practical experience is crucial
- Theoretical knowledge applied practically
- Continuous practice leads to improvement
- Each manager applies techniques in their unique way
6. List key features of management as a science.
Key features of management as a science:
- Systematic and organized knowledge base
- Principles based on observation and experimentation
- Cause-effect relationship
- Universal applicability to some extent
- Principles developed by experts after research
7. State three features of management as a profession.
Three features of management as a profession:
1. Formal and specialized knowledge
2. Entry by qualification or degree (not always compulsory)
3. Code of conduct and recognized professional associations
8. Why is management not considered a full profession?
Management is not a full profession because:
- No statutory requirement for degrees or licenses
- Professional association membership is not compulsory
- Many managers enter the field without formal management education
9. Give two examples each to justify management as science and art.
Examples for management as a science:
- Applying Fayol’s principle of division of work
- Using time-motion studies from Taylor’s scientific management
Examples for management as an art:
- A manager motivating staff using personal style
- Creative problem-solving during organizational change
10. What is the nature of management?
The nature of management is:
- Multidimensional: It incorporates art, science, and profession.
- Dynamic and goal-oriented: Adapts to changes to achieve objectives.
- Universal in application: Relevant to all organizations.
- Social process: Involves working with and through people.
11. List two principles of management given by Henry Fayol.
Two principles of management by Henry Fayol are:
- Division of Work: Specialization increases efficiency.
- Unity of Command: Each employee receives orders from only one superior to avoid confusion.
12. How do art and science complement each other in management?
Both art and science are essential in management:
- Science provides managers with principles and frameworks based on research.
- Art allows managers to creatively apply these principles in real-life situations for best results.
- Managers balance objective knowledge with personal judgement and innovation.
