One of the enduring questions in the field of management is whether it is an art or a science. Dictionary defines Management as an art is "skill in conducting any human activity" and science as "any skill or technique that reflects a precise application of facts or a principle." Reflected in the differences in these definitions is the use of precision in science, in that there is a particular, prescribed way in which a expert should act. Thus, management as a science would indicate that in practice, experts use a specific body of information and facts to guide their behaviors, but that management as an art requires no specific body of knowledge, only skill. Conversely, those who believe management is an art are likely to believe that there is no specific way to teach or understand management, and that it is a skill borne of personality and ability. Those who believe in management as an art are likely to believe that certain people are more predisposed to be effective experts than are others, and that some people cannot be taught to be effective experts. That is, even with an understanding of management research and an education in management, some people will not be capable of being effective practicing experts.
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