11-10-2012, 04:27 PM
MANAGEMENT AS SCIENCE
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Science is a systematic body of knowledge pertaining to a specific field of study that contains general facts which explains a fact
It establishes cause and effect relationship between two or more variables and underlines the principles governing their relationship.
These principles are developed through scientific method of observation and verification through testing.
Science is characterized by following main features:
Universally acceptance principles :-
Scientific principles represents basic truth about a particular field of enquiry. These principles may be applied in all situations, at all time & at all places.
E.g. – law of gravitation which can be applied in all countries irrespective of the time.
Management also contains some fundamental principles which can be applied universally like the Principle of Unity of Command i.e. one man, one boss. This principle is applicable to all type of organization – business or non business.
Experimentation & Observation :-
Scientific principles are derived through scientific investigation & researching i.e. they are based on logic. E.g. the principle that earth goes round the sun has been scientifically proved.
Management principles are also based on scientific enquiry & observation and not only on the opinion of Henry Fayol. . E.g. it is observed that fair remuneration to personal helps in creating a satisfied work force.
Cause & Effect Relationship –
Principles of science lay down cause and effect relationship between various variables. E.g. when metals are heated, they are expanded. The cause is heating & result is expansion.
The same is true for management, therefore it also establishes cause and effect relationship. E.g. lack of parity (balance) between authority & responsibility will lead to ineffectiveness.
Test of Validity & Predictability –
Validity of scientific principles can be tested at any time or any number of times i.e. they stand the test of time. Each time these tests will give same result. Moreover future events can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by using scientific principles. E.g. H2 & O2 will always give H2O.
Principles of management can also be tested for validity. E.g. principle of unity of command can be tested by comparing two persons – one having single boss and one having 2 bosses. The performance of 1st person will be better than 2nd.
MANAGEMENT AS BOTH
Management is both an art and a science. The above mentioned points clearly reveals that management combines features of both science as well as art.
It is considered as a science because it has an organized body of knowledge which contains certain universal truth.
It is called an art because managing requires certain skills which are personal possessions of managers.
Science provides the knowledge & art deals with the application of knowledge and skills.