Management as an Art, Science and Profession - Management as a Profession

• Management is treated as an emerging profession in the modern, globalised world.
• It shares many features of a profession but does not fully meet all formal criteria.
• Overall, management is a combination of art, science and profession.

A profession may be defined as an occupation backed by specialized knowledge and training, and to which entry is regulated by a representative body and duly recognized by society.

• Well-defined body of knowledge.
• Formal education and training.
• Restricted entry through qualifications or examinations.
• Professional association.
• Ethical code of conduct.
• Service motive.

• Knowledge: Based on a systematic body of knowledge.
• Education: Formal management education is available and preferred.
• Expertise: Managers develop expertise through education and practice.
• Professional Associations: Associations like AIMA promote professional standards. Membership is voluntary.
• Ethical Conduct: Managers are expected to follow ethical behaviour.
• Service Motive: Good management helps organisations achieve goals and serve society.

• No compulsory management degree is required.
• No statutory governing body for managers.
• Membership of professional associations is voluntary.
• No compulsory code of conduct.
• Entry is not legally restricted.

Riya’s Snack Shop:

• Riya learns business skills in a short course (formal education).
• Uses hygiene and keeps records (code of conduct).
• Gets experience in sales and customer service (expertise).
• Does not require registration with a national body or obtaining a license.

• Management has many features of a profession.
• It does not fully satisfy all professional criteria.
• Therefore, it is an emerging profession and a combination of art, science and profession.

• Management is an emerging profession with a systematic body of knowledge.
• It provides formal education and training through management institutions.
• Managers develop expertise through education and practical experience.
• Management lacks compulsory qualifications, statutory regulation and mandatory association membership.
• Management is a combination of art, science and profession.