Testing of Management as a Profession

Management can be considered a profession when it meets certain criteria such as having a defined body of knowledge, a code of ethics, and a standard of education and training. However, there has been debate regarding whether management truly qualifies as a profession.

Arguments for Management as a Profession

- Defined Body of Knowledge: Management has a defined body of knowledge that includes theories, principles, and practices that have been developed over time through research and experience.
- Code of Ethics: Many professional organizations, such as the Project Management Institute, have established codes of ethics for their members to follow.
- Standard of Education and Training: Many universities offer degree programs in management, and professional certifications such as the Certified Manager designation require a certain level of education and experience.
- Licensing and Regulation: In some countries, management consultants are required to be licensed and regulated by the government.

Arguments Against Management as a Profession

- Lack of Formal Education: Many managers do not have a formal education in management, and instead have risen through the ranks of their organization based on their experience and skills.
- Lack of Standardization: Unlike other professions such as medicine and law, there is no standardized curriculum or set of requirements for becoming a manager.
- Lack of Consensus: There is no consensus among practitioners, academics, and professional organizations regarding the definition and scope of management as a profession.

Conclusion

While management may not meet all the criteria of a traditional profession, it is clear that the field has evolved to become more professionalized over time. As the demand for skilled managers continues to grow, it is likely that efforts to standardize education and training, establish codes of ethics, and regulate the field will continue to gain momentum.

Management is a well-defined body of knowledge. ... But management is not considered a profession because it needs a minimum number of qualifications, it's essential for its' practitioners to register themselves with a professional body (though that's not obligatory) and there's no universally accepted code of conduct.