The Hindu Business Line : Science or art?

For about a century now, it has been the fashion with thinkers to discuss whether a certain branch of knowledge falls under the category of `science' or `art'. With the horizon of the existing fund of knowledge expanding, the nature of certain subjects also takes on different dimensions. Bertrand Russell stress the fact that until a point of time in history, areas such as astronomy and human psychology were categorised under `philosophy', but with the advancement of science and technology, when precise measurements of the related phenomena and correct conclusions became possible, those subjects came to find a place under `science'. This is because a systematised body of knowledge in a subject and an unfailing cause-effect relationship are the hallmark of `science'.

Of the various disciplines falling under `humanities', `economics and management' seem to be particularly susceptible to a debate on whether they are to be classified as science or art! This, despite far too many unpredictable variables influencing the occurrence of economic phenomena and management decisions.

In favour of the stand that they are `science', the points mentioned above are cited. But, then, it is established that `economic laws' and `management principles' indicate only tendencies, and so they cannot satisfy the requirements to be branded a `science!'

Coming to `arts', in general, what markedly distinguishes it from `science' is the role of the `artist' or the `performer'. Be it music or dance or painting and oratory - both religious and secular - how preponderant becomes the role of the individual, that is, the artist or the performer or the actor! Literary giants such as William Hazlitt and John Ruskin are at great pains to explain this subtle point in their writings.

As to `management', lately, the stress is on scientific methods being adopted in `work' - be it manufacturing, marketing, and what not. While principles of sound management are codified and made available in rapidly-growing literature, does the `manager' or the 'supervisor' have any specific or marked role in the success of the business ventures or enterprises?

It is conceivable that managers draw inspiration from well-known sportsmen and athletes. Possibly, even actors - both on stage and in movies - and renowned literary figures may offer some tips for success. These areas are mentioned (in relation to a manager) because of the importance of the individual involved. In the light of this, it will not be wrong to conclude that the individual personality of one who manages material, money, and men is a significant factor accounting for his success.

Then, can celebrated musicians be a model for managers? Recently in Mumbai, an innovative executive tried to find out whether some successful musicians' career could be a source of success for business executives.

Evidently, the exercise is to highlight to the people, in general, how among scores of musicians, only a few shine, and, more important, how individual excellence becomes a key factor in one's success. Still more significant is the implication that if one is endowed with some unusual gifts, one has to strive to excel others, making use of those gifts. Awareness first and aspiration next are the essential prerequisites.

(The author is a Bangalore-based freelance writer.)

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