Management as a science: Science is a systematised body of knowledge, which can be acquired through observations and experimentations. The basis of science is to search for information by means of determining the cause-effect relationship through observations and experimentation. 

The essential features of science are as follows:

• Systematised body of knowledge. 

• Continued observations.

• The universal validity of principles. 

• Principles-based on experiments.

Now let us see how far management fulfils these requirements to qualify as a science.

(i) Systematised body of knowledge: Science is a systematised body of knowledge which is based on a cause-effect relationship. Management viewed science as it is also a systematised body of knowledge built up by management make use of scientific methods for observations followed by management practitioners and experts over a period of time. The principles of management make use of scientific methods for observations.

(ii) Continued observations: Science uses the scientific methods of observations which are unbiased and objective. The knowledge of management has been acquired through the continuous efforts of many experts and practitioners over a period of years. The methods of observations followed by management are not completely objective, since management deals with human beings whose behaviour cannot be predicted.

Management as an Art: Art refers to the application of skill and knowledge to attain the desired result. Art is concerned with the practical application of theoretical knowledge. The function of Art is to accomplish concrete ends. It represents the methods of doing specific things and indicates how an objective is to be achieved. Every art is practical and is concerned with the creation of something. 

Art has the following five essential features:

• Practical knowledge. 

• Personal skills. 

• Result – Oriented approach. 

• Constructive skill (i.e. creativity). 

• Regular practice aimed at further improvement.

Now let us see how far management fulfils these requirements to qualify as an art: 

(i) Practical knowledge: Art presupposes the existence of theoretical knowledge. Art is concerned with the application of theoretical knowledge. Therefore, every form of art has both theoretical and practical aspects. Management is an art of getting things done through people to accomplish desired results. Management is concerned with putting the available knowledge into practise so as to accomplish predetermined goals.

(ii) Personal skills: Every manager has his own style of working the taste of management lies in the skillful used of one’s technical knowledge to ensure maximum productivity and profitability. The manager has to use his personal skill and knowledge in solving many complicated problems to accomplish desired results. Therefore, management is a practice and performance.