2.3.1 (HL)—Scientific and intuitive management

Scientific management uses systematic data, analysis and tested procedures; intuitive management relies more on experience, pattern recognition and judgement under uncertainty.

Data can reveal trends and reduce personal bias, but it may be incomplete or measure the wrong outcome. Intuition can act quickly when evidence is scarce, yet it is vulnerable to overconfidence and familiar-case bias. The best choice depends on decision speed, reversibility and information quality.

A warehouse can use historical demand data to set routine stock levels, but a sudden supply disruption may require a manager to act before reliable data exists. The decision can later be reviewed against outcomes.

Scientific does not mean certain and intuitive does not mean irrational. Evaluate the evidence, the assumptions and the cost of being wrong.