Management as a Science

The beauty of management lies in the fact that it is a multiverse subject. In other words, it can be science, art, profession or all of these simultaneously depending on your perception. Management is very systematic and concrete and so we consider management as a science. Let us have a look at the scientific side of management.

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What is a Science?

We need to understand how a field is qualified as a science before venturing into the scientific side of management. The basic features of a science are:

Systematised Body of Knowledge

Scientific principles are based on a cause and effect relationship. By and large, science is a systematic body of language. For example, gravity explains the phenomenon of an apple falling from a tree.

Principles based on Experimentation

Scientific conclusions are not a result of hearsay or raw observations. Rather the results are based on careful observation which is proved by experiments performed under controlled conditions.

Universal Validity

Scientific concepts and laws are applicable universally. There may be exceptions to the rule, but these are

Management as a Science

Management is in complete agreement with all the features of science mentioned above. Let us discuss how:

1. Managment is a systematic subject. Evidently, it has various concepts and theories which are developing with time and is also related to other subjects like mathematics, economics etc. Further, there are certain terms and vocabulary exclusive to management. Management professionals extensively use these terms to communicate with each other.
2. The various principles and concepts of management are a result of constant experimentation and observation. However, human beings are complex organisms with unpredictable behaviours. Interestingly management deals with human beings and human behaviour. As a result of the experiments in the field of management are not completely predictable or replicable. We can predict the outcomes ut cant be entirely sure of it. This means there exists an element of uncertainty. Evidently, management is also known as an inexact science.
3. As discussed the principles of management are not exact, relative to other concrete sciences like maths, chemistry etc. Thus these concepts are also non-universal. However, they can be applied to a wide variety of situation and form the pillars of the science of management. Further, managers use these principles to tackle situations and for training and development of managers.

A Solved Example for You

Q: Management is a _____ science?

1. Applied
2. Exact
3. Inexact
4. None of the above

Ans: The answer is C. While we do see management as a science, it is not an exact science. Since management deals with humans and their unpredictable behaviour it cannot be an exact science.

Q: Scientific principles are based on _____________.

1. Hypothesis
2. Theoretical knowledge
3. Creativity
4. Experimentation

Ans: The correct answer is D. All scientific principles are based on experimentation.