Science is a systemized body of knowledge about a particular field of enquiry. It contains concepts, hypotheses, theories & principles to explain the cause & effect relationship between two or more factors. Here, you will know the reasons and characteristics of management as science. Any subject which is scientifically developed & consists of universally accepted principles is a science.
Characteristics of Management as Science
For science, a discipline should follow these characteristics:
1. Systemized Body of Knowledge
It should have a systemized body of knowledge, including concepts, principles & theories.
Testing of Management as a Science
Management is also a systematic body of knowledge because it comes in recognition after years of research & experimentation of management experts.
2. Cause and Effect Relationship
Scientific principles always explain the relationship between cause & effect.
Testing of Management as a Science
When it is applied to management, we come to know that the principles of management also establish the relationship between cause & effect. E.g., Poor planning & plant layout affect production. Here, poor planning is the cause & less production is the effect.
3. Based on Collection of Facts, Analysis & Experiments
Principles come into evolution through observation & tested after repeated experimentation.
Testing of Management
After applying this characteristic of Science to management, we find that the development of management took years to collect facts, their analysis & experiments. In other words, management came into existence because of the continuous & encouraging labour of the theorists & various people concerned.
4. Universal Application
Scientific principles are based on truth & they can be applicable at every time & in every situation.
Testing of Management
Managerial knowledge & principles of management are the basis of truth & they, too, can be applicable anywhere & in every situation. E.g. The principle of unity of command, which means that subordinate employees should get orders from only a single officer, is universally applicable in management.
5. Verification of Validity & Prediction of Results Possible
The mere collection of knowledge & facts is not Science. For Science, validity & prediction of results is essential.
Testing of Management
The validity of management principles can also be verified & results can be predicted by applying any unique principle. Thus, the principles of management, like the principles of Science, can prove their validity on the touchstone of practicality. E.g. The principle of unity of command, when put to practice, tells us that a subordinate who has one officer to give him command will be more efficient than a subordinate who gets commands from more than one officer.
Undoubtedly, management is a science, but it cannot be called a science, as is the case with physics & chemistry, or it cannot be called a perfect science.
Reasons for Testing of Management as Science
The chief reasons for doing so are:
i) Lack of Training
Managers need more training, so the use of scientific methods is limited in the management field.
ii) Use of Rational Approach
The use of Science in business is as yet; that is why, for the solution of management problems, managers adopt a rational approach rather than a scientific one.
iii) Lack of Measuring Tools
Like Science, there is no measuring tool to measure the work performance correctly. Instead, a manager has to use a rating & scale.
iv)Dealing with Human Element
The Science of management is concerned with human beings & their behaviours undergoing constant changes.
v) Ignorance of Perfection
Most managers want to get reasonably good result-oriented activity rather than any truth.
Conclusion
Management must be treated as a challenging science. Still, as its principles are subject to change with time, Situations & human nature, it is better to call it applied Science or inexact Science or soft Science. You comes to know why we know management as science.