What is Management as an Art?
Management is often considered an art because it shares similarities with the concept of art itself. Like art, management requires creativity, skill, and constant practice to achieve a certain level of proficiency. Just as an artist expresses their creativity through their work, a manager applies their knowledge and skills to accomplish desired outcomes in an organization.
Management is the personalized application of theoretical principles and concepts to achieve the best possible results. Managers utilize the knowledge gained from studying management theories and practices to handle various situations and make informed decisions.
While there are guiding principles in management, each manager has their own unique style and approach to applying these principles. Just as artists have different styles and techniques, managers also bring their own creativity and individuality to their management practices.
This individuality contributes to the diverse ways in which management is applied in different organizations and settings. Therefore, management can be seen as both a science and an art, combining theoretical knowledge with personal creativity and skill.
Characteristics of Management as an Art
The following features further reveal how management is an art.
Creativity
Management, like art, requires creativity in finding innovative solutions and approaches to challenges. Managers use their creativity to develop new strategies, motivate employees, and adapt to changing circumstances. They are like artists who paint a picture using their imagination and unique perspective.
Related: Management as a Process
Skill-Based
Management is a skill that can be learned and honed through practice. Just as artists develop their skills through training and experience, managers acquire and refine their management skills through education, learning from their experiences, and continuous professional development.
Personal Expression
Managers have the freedom to express their own personal style and approach in their management practices.
They have the flexibility to adapt and apply management theories and principles in a way that aligns with their own unique strengths and leadership style, much like how artists use their personal style to create distinct and recognizable artworks.
Subjectivity
Management involves subjective decision-making based on individual judgment and intuition. Managers often have to make decisions based on incomplete information and complex situations, relying on their experience and personal insights. This element of subjectivity is akin to the interpretation and expression of emotions and ideas in art.
Constant Improvement
Just as artists continuously strive to improve their skills and create better works, managers are constantly seeking to enhance their management abilities and achieve better outcomes.
They learn from their successes and failures, experiment with new techniques, and adapt their practices to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Also Read: Management as an Activity
Management is both an Art and a Science
Management is a field that encompasses both art and science. It combines the creativity and personal expression of art with the systematic approach and cause-effect relationships of science. By applying scientific principles and methods, managers analyze data, make informed decisions, and establish effective strategies.
Simultaneously, they exercise their artistic skills to adapt to unique situations and inspire their teams. Management truly embodies the fusion of art and science in achieving organizational success.
Read Next: Management as a Discipline
By profession, Sujan Chaudhary is a BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) graduate, and by passion a blogger. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world. While not writing, he will be found reading and exploring the world.