Provided are a method and a device for determining a working mode, a network element, an Element Management System (EMS) and Network Management System (NMS). In the method, static importance of a base station or cell is determined according to static data of the base station or cell; dynamic importance of the base station or cell is determined according to dynamic data of the base station or cell; the working mode of the base station or cell is determined according to both the static importance and the dynamic importance. By virtue of the technical solution, the problem caused by the adoption of a dynamic mode or a static mode to determine the working mode of the base station or cell is solved, and the determination on the working mode of the base station or cell is more reliable and effective.