Whether management is an art or not will be known by the application of the characteristics of artin
management, description of which is as under:
(i) Existence of Theoretical Knowledge: Art is always based on certain theoretical knowledge. On the basis of
this knowledge one can understand how a particular work can be accomplished. In this context management
is an art as a lot of literature is available in various areas of management.
(ii) Personalised Application: The use of available theoretical knowledge is found in varying degree among
different persons. For example, two teachers, two players, or two goldsmiths will always differ in performing
their jobs. Management possesses this feature of art too. There are various principles of management as
developed by management experts.Managers apply these principles differently depending on their level of
knowledge.Sometimes they may get exactly opposite results while applying the same principles.
(iii) Based on Practice and Creativity: Just as art can be embellished with the help of practice, in the same way
managerial skill also improves with practice. Every manager has a desire to become a complete expert in his
field. They can fulfil his desire by continuous practice. A fully developed manager not only moulds the
organisation according to the changing circumstances but also has the capacity to change the outer
circumstances according to his will. Thus, management possesses this feature of art too.
The above analysis clearly establishes that management possesses all the characteristics of art and on this
very basis it has been accepted as an art.
