MANAGEMENT

A SCIENCE
OR
An ART
OR
A PROFESSION

By: Sumit Tomar

2922
B.B.A (HM)
1ST yrs
The term ‘management’ has been defined differently by different authors.
Traditional author define it as an art of getting things done whereas modern
author define it as a process of accomplishing certain objective through the
utilization of human and other resources.

Traditional concept -: art of getting things done

Traditional, management is defined as an art of getting things done through other.
The person who directs the effort of others is known as ‘manager’. The traditional
viewpoint about management is considered inappropriate in the present day
environment .It has been criticized on the following ground:
1. It does not give the function which a manager has to perform to get result
from others.
2. It gives the impression of the manipulative character f the practice of
management.
3. The employees are merely treated as means for getting results.

MODERN CONCEPT: - effective utilization of resources

The modern concept of management consider management as the process of
utilization of physical resources in such a manner that organizational objective
are achieved.

The modern concept of management has the following features:

1. Management is goal oriented.
2. It involves effective utilization of human and other resources lie capital,
machines etc.
3. It performs the function of planning, organising, staffing ,directing and
controlling.
CHARACTERSTICS OF MANAGEMENT

1. Management is goal – oriented: - The purpose of management is to achieve the

goal of the organization. The success is judged by the extent to which
organizational goal are achieved.
2. Management is a universal -: the principle and techniques of organistion –
business social educational and religious.
3. Management is multi dimension-: management is concerned with conversion is of
various input desired output with help of human resources or people of the
organization.
4. Management is intangible force: - management has been called the unseen force .
Its presence is evident by the result of its effort – orderliness, informed employees,
buoyant spirit and higher output.
5. Management is a social process:- management is called a social process because
it handles resources which belong to the society.

IMPORTANCES OF MANAGEMENT

1. ACCOMPLISHMENT OF GOALS: - all organizational activities are directed towards

the organizational objective. clear -cut definition of goal is essential for success of
any organisation
2. SOUND ORGANISATION:- management establishes sound organisation for the
accomplishment of the desired objectives. It clarifies authority –responsibility
relationships among various positions in the enterprise.
3. PROVIDES VISION AND FORESIGHT: - management itself in touch with the
external environment and supplies vision and foresight to the enterprise .It also
takes steps to ensure that the enterprise is able to meet the demands of changing
environment.
4. NATINAL GROWTH AND PROSPERITY:- efficient management of resources is
equally important at the national level. The development of a country virtually
depends upon the quality of management of its resources.
5. EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF RESOURCES:- management ensures optimum
utilization of resources. Through planning and organisation, management
eliminates all type of wastage and achieves efficiency in all business operation.
NATURE OF MANAGEMENT –

MANAGEMENT AS A SCIENCE

Any subject which is a scientifically developed and consists of universally

accepted principles is a science. Science is a systematized body of
knowledge pertaining to a particular field of enquiry .It contains concept,
hypotheses, theories ,experimentation and principles to explain cause and
effect relation between two or more factors.
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1. SYSTEMATIZED BODY OF KNOWLEDGE pertaining to particular field
of inquiry.
2. SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATION should have scientific methods of
observation and enquiry.
3. EXPERIMENTATION scientific principles are evolved through
observation and tested by repeated experimentation.
4. UNIVERSAL APPLICATION the scientific principles have universal
validity and application.
MANAGEMENT is a science because it contains all the essentials of
science, First there is now a systematized body of knowledge. Principles
and theories are now available in every area of management. Secondly,
principles of management have been evolved through practical experience
and theoretical research over several decades. Thirdly, managerial
principles have a wide and repetitive range of application. Lastly,
management theory and principles can be taught in classroom and in
industry.
 MANAGEMENT AS AN ART

Art signifies the application of knowledge and personal skills

to bring about desired result. It is the practical way of doing
specific things. Art is personalized process and every artist has
his own style. Art is practice –based and perfection in it requires
continuous practice over long period of time.

The main elements of an ART are:-

1. PERSONAL SKILLS
2. PRACTIAL KNOW – HOW
3. RESULT –ORIENTATION.
4. CREATIVITY
5. CONSTANT PRACTCE AIMED AT PERFECTION

MANAGEMENT is basically an art of the following reasons:-

1. Like an other artist, a manager applies his knowledge and
skills to coordinate the effort of his people.
2. The art of management can be learnt and mastered through
continuous practice.
3. The process of management is directed toward the
accomplishment of concrete result.
4. Like any other art management is creative.
 MANAGEMENT AS A PROFESSION

The term ‘Profession’ may be defined as an occupation backed by

specialized body of knowledge and training and to which entry is regulated
by a representative body.
The essential requirements tests of a profession are as follow.
1. Specialized field of knowledge.
2. Restricted entry based on education and training.
3. Representative or professional association.
4. Ethical code of conduct for self-regulation.
5. Social recognition.
6. Professional fee.

MANAGEMENT can be considered a profession because of following:-

1. The field of management is supported by a well defined body of

knowledge that can be taught and learnt.
2. Learning and experience, a professional is a person ho has
undergone certain vigorous training to acquire certain knowledge
and skills.
3. Several associations of managers have prescribed codes of conduct
for their member. i.e. All India Management Association (* AIMA*)
4. Management of modern organisation requires competent application
of management principles, techniques and skills. Thus, there is a
need of formal education and training in management.
TO UNDERSTAND NATURE OF MANAGEMENT MORE CLEARLY WE NEED TO SEE THE
EVOLUTION OF MANAGEMENT:-

CLASSICAL APPROACH:-
The classical approach is also known as traditional approach, management process
approach.
It developed through three main streams- scientific management, administrative theory and
bureaucracy. Scientific management was developed by engineers and technicians like F.W.
TAYLOR, HENRY GANTT, FRANK GILBRETH and others. They looked at management
mainly from technical viewpoint i.e. improving efficiency in the use of men and machines.
Administrative theory or functional approach was developed by management practitioners
and thinkers like HENRY FAYOL, JAMES D.MOONEY, ALLAN C. REILEY and others. They
focused attention on the development of managerial function and principles for universal
application. They adopted a wider perspective by attempting to improve efficiency of total
organisation rather than technical efficiency alone. Bureaucracy was evolved by a German
sociologist, MAX WEBER. It visualizes a machines model of organisation and
characteristics by a hierarchy of authority a web of rules and regulation and impersonal
control over human beings.
THE MAIN FEAUTRES OF THIS APPOROCH:-

1. MANAGEMENT is viewed as a systematic network of interrelated function.

2. On the basis of experiences of practicing manager, principles are developed.
These principles are used as guidelines for the practicing executive.
3. Peoples are motivated by economic gains. Therefore, organizations control
economic incentives.
4. Formal education and training is emphasized for developing managerial skills
in would –be manager. Case study method is often used for this purpose.
BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH

While the classical approach focused on the jobs. The behavioral approach
stressed the individual performing these jobs. PROF. ELTON MAYO IS
considered to be the founder of the behavioral school of thought. He
conducted the famous Hawthorne experiments. This experiment revealed
the overwhelming influence of social and psychological factors on
employee morel and productivity. This approach draws heavily its concept
from psychology and sociology. Motivation, leadership, communication
group dynamics and participative management are the core of this
approach.

The basic propositions of the behavioral science approach are as follow:-

1. An organisation is a socio-technical system.

2. A wide range of factors influences interpersonal and group behavior
of people in the organisation.
3. Some degree of conflict may be inevitable and even desirable in
organisation.
4. Several differences in their attitudes, perception and values of
employees exist and influence their behavior and performances.
QUNANTITATIVE APPROACH

ALSO known as management science approach, decision theory approach,

operating research approach, etc. this gained momentum during and after
WWII. During the war, interdisciplinary groups of scientist were engaged to
undertaken applied research into strategic and tactical military operation.
“As we know fighting a war is perfect piece of art all you need right time and
place and most important things is patience”.

The main postulates of the quantitative approach are as follow :-

1. The quality of management is judged by the quality of decision

made in diverse situations.
2. Decision-making models should be evaluated in the light of set
criteria like cost reduction, return on investment.
3. In order to achieve this goal, optimal decision must be made
through scientific formal reasoning backed by quantification.
4. If the model is properly formulated and the equation are correctly
solved. One can secure the best solution to the model.
LEVELS OF MANAGEMENT
 TOP
LEVEL

MIDDLE LEVEL
MANAGEMENT

SUPERVISORY
OR
OPERATING
MANAGEMENT

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TOP LEVEL MANAGEMENT of a company consist of the Board

of Directors, the Chief Executives or the Managing Directors and
the General Manager. Top management is the ultimate source of
authority and it establishes goals and policies for the enterprise.
It devotes more time on the planning and coordinating function.
It is accountable to the owner of the business for the overall
management.
FUNCTION AND ROLES:-
1. It determines the objectives of the enterprise.
2. It prepares strategic plans and policies for the enterprise.
3. It appoints the executives for the middle level
4. It controls the activities of all department with the help of
report, memoranda etc.
5. It builds and maintain relations with the outside public i.e.
media, supplier.
6. It issues necessary instruction for the preparation of
department budget, procedures etc.
 MIDDLE MANAGEMENT

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT of an organistion generally consist of

heads of functional department , regional manager, plant
manager, etc. they are responsible to the top management for
the functioning of their department, regions or plants. They are
responsible for the implementation of top management policies.
They also coordinate the activities of lower level executives.
FUNCTION AND ROLE:-
1. They execute the policies framed by the top management.
2. They make plans and budget for their department.
3. They participate in the employment and training of junior
managers.
4. They assign duties among the junior manager and give
them necessary instruction.
5. They submit progress report and other important data to
the top management to enable them to make new plans
and policies.
6. They evaluate the performance of junior managers and
give them necessary instruction.
 Supervisory or First level management

Supervisory management refers to those executives who are

basically concerned with the personal observation and direction
of operative employees. It is also know as lower level or first line
management. This level includes supervisor, foreman, account
officer, sales officer and so on. They have direct link between
the operative employees and are responsible for their
functioning.

FUNCTION AND ROLES:-

1. They plan and organize the activities of their units.
2. They provide training to the workers under their charge.
3. They supervise and guide the subordinates and also solve
their problems.
4. They maintain good human relations in their units.
5. They communicate workers grievances to the higher level
management.
6. They send periodical progress report to their seniors who
are part off middle level management.