Global Journal of Management and Business Research, A: Administration and Management, Volume 23 Issue 1

Administration: Science, Art or Technique? A Reflective Look at the Epistemological Status of the Administration María G. Torres S. α & Marcelo A. Rangel R. σ 49 Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume XXIII Issue I Version I Year 2023 ( ) A © 2023 Global Journals Author α: Professor and Cultural Promoter of UNERG-Venezuela. Licentiate in Arts (UCV), Licentiate in Education (UCV), MSc in Administrative Management (UNERG). Participant of the Doctorate in Administrative and Managerial Sciences (UC). e-mail: mgts4ever@gmail.com Author σ: Manager of Technology and Systems of the Municipal Tax Administration Service SATRIM, Maracay-Venezuela. Computer Engineer (UNERG), Master in Management of Information and Communication Technologies (UNEFA), Master in Administrative Management (UNERG), Participant of in the Doctorate in Administrative and Management Sciences (UC). e-mail: marcelounerg@gmail.com Summary- The study of the administrative work of man has raised the statement of different epistemic perspectives exclusive of each other. This perspective coincides with delineating the organization as a central element of the discipline and, administrative processes as an exclusive object of study; disagreeing on the way of understanding the nature of the organization as of the administrative action, and, therefore, in the methods used for its investigative approach. This article is the result of a reflective experience given from a critical perspective with nuances of complexity that, are based on a documentary review of the main theoretical approaches of administration. It traces the notion of administration and its epistemological status, considering a series of features of administration, which are considered epistemic obstacles. Finally, the article pretends to represent administration as a theoretical-practical systemic epistemological framework that admits the complexity of the administrative phenomenon as science, art, and technique. Keywords: administration, epistemology, science, art, technique. I. I ntroduction he approach to the administrative process or phenomenon has originated the construction of different epistemic perspectives, exclusive of each other. These definitions have been oriented as action, process, system, or phenomenon showing its practical application (processes, system, or administrative functions) and its teleological purpose – the fulfillment of the organizational objective(s) or purpose (s). This understanding of the epistemic in the sense of creation and individual or collective construction of knowledge, in this case, establishes the administrative reality. A rational perspective has led to the construction of a generally objectivist epistemological vision. Depending on the author, the administration is glimpsed as science, technique, or socio-technics (Bunge, Bertolucci, Kliksberg among others). On the other hand, this reality from a relative perspective is assumed from a subjectivist epistemological vision leading to contemplate administration as a social discipline and even as art (Drucker, Gulick and Urwick, Valladares Rivera, Metcalfe, Mintzberg, etc.). In this discursive thread, it is inevitable to question whether the administration is a science, an art, or a technique. Nevertheless, it demonstrates an unfinished discussion about the dimensions that configure and determine its epistemological status. This issue drives the present reflection. Before advancing on this journey, it is necessary to highlight the following premises: First, the influence on the epistemic status of the administration (dissociation between science and philosophy) is due to the historical struggle given by the hegemony of some of these disciplines. Second, the notion of epistemology in this article refers to the way of approaching reality and the conditions under which facts and objects can become knowledge (Sandín, 2003). These theoretical foundations and methods of study of the administration are inferred. Third, the process of theoretical/practical articulation is considered a teleological aspect of the administrative discipline. Therefore, its purpose is to properly and successfully manage the elements, resources, or talents existing in an organization, whatever their nature, to fulfill or achieve the objectives or purposes set from their work (Taylor, 1969; Fayol, 1980; Koontz & amp; Heinz, 1998; Drucker, 1989). Last, the organization is understood here as a multidimensional space, to which different logics of action relate (technical, economic, political, cultural, emotional, etc.). Therefore, multiple actors with individual interests converge showing conflict and power. These are basic ingredients for its operation, which is also built on various structures and represents multiple projects difficult to dissociate from the rest of the other social constructions. These facts make up everyday life (Barba, 2013). The article is an open reflection, guided by a qualitative methodological approach, which emphasizes a critical abstraction with nuances of complexity, or vice versa, given through dialogic argumentation. The reflection is based on a documentary review of the notion of administration. Its object, nature, and main T