Consider the following statements about management as an art:(A) Like…

Consider the following statements about management as an art:

(A) Like art, management has theoretical knowledge, as there is a lot of literature in areas such as marketing, finance and human resources.

(B) Like art, management is based on practice and creativity, as the principles of management have universal validity.

(C) Like art, management is a personalised concept, as management practices are based on different sets of principles.

(D) Like art, management involves personalised application, which gives rise to different styles of management.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → (A) and (D) only

(A) Like art, management has theoretical knowledge, as there is a lot of literature in areas such as marketing, finance and human resources. — Correct. Management has a lot of literature in marketing, finance and human resources. So it has the existence of theoretical knowledge, like an art.

(B) Like art, management is based on practice and creativity, as the principles of management have universal validity. — Incorrect. Management is based on practice and creativity, but the reason is wrong. Universal validity is a feature of science, and the use of management principles is not universal. Practice and creativity come from how each manager applies them in his own way.

(C) Like art, management is a personalised concept, as management practices are based on different sets of principles. — Incorrect. Management is personalised, but all management practices are based on the same set of principles. What differs is how well each manager puts them into practice.

(D) Like art, management involves personalised application, which gives rise to different styles of management. — Correct. A manager applies knowledge in a personalised and skilful manner. This gives rise to different styles of management.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Management as an Art … 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 of managing an enterprise based on study, observation and experience. There is a lot of literature available in various areas of management like marketing, finance and human resources which the manager has to 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 a combination of practice, creativity, imagination, initiative and innovation. A manager achieves perfection after long practice. Students of management also apply these principles differently depending on how creative they are.
(iii) A manager applies this acquired knowledge in a personalised and skillful manner in the light of the realities of a given situation. He is involved in the activities of the organisation, studies critical situations and formulates his own theories for use in a given situation. This gives rise to different styles of management The best managers are committed and dedicated individuals; highly trained and educated, with personal qualities such as ambition, self-motivation, creativity and imagination, a desire for development of the self and the organisation they belong to. All management practices are based on the same set of principles; what distinguishes a successful manager from a less successful one is the ability to put these principles into practice.”