M anagement as an A rt

What is art? Art is the skillful and personal application existing knowledge achieve desired results. It can be acquired through study, observation and experience. Since art is concerned with personal application of knowledge some kind of ingenuity and creativity is required to practice the basic principles learnt.

The basic features of an art are as follows: (i) Existence theoretical knowledge: Art presupposes the existence of certain theoretical knowledge. Experts in their respective areas have derived certain basic principles which are applicable to a particular form art. For example, literature on dancing, public speaking, acting or music is widely recognised. (ii) Personalised application: The use of this basic knowledge varies from individual to individual.

Art, therefore, is a very person­ alised concept. For example, two dancers, two speakers, two actors, or two writers will always differ in demonstrating their art. (iii) Based on practice creativity: All art is practical. Art involves the creative practice of existing theoretical knowledge.

We know that all music is based on seven basic notes. However, what makes the composition of a musician unique or different is his use of these notes in a creative manner that is entirely his own interpretation. Management can be said to be an art since it satisfies the following criteria: (i) A successful manager practices the art of management in the day-to-day job managing an enterprise based on study, observation experience. There is a lot of literature available in various areas of management like marketing, finance and human resources which manager has specialise in.

There is existence of theoretical knowledge. (ii) There are various theories of management, as propounded by many management thinkers, which prescribe certain universal principles. A manager applies these scientific methods and body of knowledge to a given situation, an issue or a problem, in his own unique manner. A good manager works through combination practice, creativity, imagination, initiative innovation.