Management

Management is a universal phenomenon. It is a very popular and widely used term. All
organizations - business, political, cultural or social are involved in management because it is the
management which helps and directs the various efforts towards a definite purpose.

Many management thinkers have defined management in their own ways.

Van Fleet and Peterson define management, ‘as a set of activities directed at the efficient and
effective utilization of resources in the pursuit of one or more goals.’

Megginson, Mosley and Pietri define management as ‘working with human, financial and
physical resources to achieve organizational objectives by performing the planning, organizing,
leading and controlling functions‘.

Kreitner’s definition of management:‘Management is a problem solving process of effectively

achieving organizational objectives through the efficient use of scarce resources in a changing
environment.’

According to F.W. Taylor , ‘ Management is an art of knowing what to do, when to do and see
that it is done in the best and cheapest way ‘.

According to Harold Koontz, ‘Management is an art of getting things done through and with
the people in formally organized groups. It is an art of creating an environment in which people
can perform and individuals and can co-operate towards attainment of group goals.

Management is a purposive activity. It is something that directs group efforts towards the
attainment of certain pre - determined goals. It is the process of working with and through others
to effectively achieve the goals of the organization, by efficiently using limited resources in the
changing world. Of course, these goals may vary from one enterprise to another. E.g.: For one
enterprise it may be launching of new products by conducting market surveys and for other it
may be profit maximization by minimizing cost.
Management involves creating an internal environment: - It is the management which puts into
use the various factors of production. Therefore, it is the responsibility of management to create
such conditions which are conducive to maximum efforts so that people are able to perform their
task efficiently and effectively. It includes ensuring availability of raw materials, determination
of wages and salaries, formulation of rules & regulations etc..

Management can be defined in detail in following categories :

1. Management as a Process
2. Management as an Activity
3. Management as a Discipline
4. Management as a Group
5. Management as an Art

1. Management as a Process

As a process, management refers to a series of inter-related functions. It is the process by which

management creates, operates and directs purposive organization through systematic,
coordinated and co-operated human efforts, according to George R. Terry, “Management is a
distinct process consisting of planning, organizing, actuating and controlling, performed to
determine and accomplish stated objective by the use of human beings and other resources”. As a
process, management consists of three aspects:

1. Management is a social process - Since human factor is most important among the other
factors, therefore management is concerned with developing relationship among people.
It is the duty of management to make interaction between people - productive and useful
for obtaining organizational goals.
2. Management is an integrating process - Management undertakes the job of bringing
together human physical and financial resources so as to achieve organizational purpose.
Therefore, is an important function to bring harmony between various factors.
3. Management is a continuous process - It is a never ending process. It is concerned with
constantly identifying the problem and solving them by taking adequate steps. It is an on-
going process.
 2. Management as an Activity

Like various other activities performed by human beings such as writing, playing, eating,
cooking etc, management is also an activity because a manager is one who accomplishes the
objectives by directing the efforts of others. According to Koontz, “Management is what a
manager does”. Management as an activity includes -

1. Informational activities - In the functioning of business enterprise, the manager

constantly has to receive and give information orally or in written. A communication link
has to be maintained with subordinates as well as superiors for effective functioning of an
enterprise.
2. Decisional activities - Practically all types of managerial activities are based on one or
the other types of decisions. Therefore, managers are continuously involved in decisions
of different kinds since the decision made by one manager becomes the basis of action to
be taken by other managers. (E.g. Sales Manager is deciding the media & content of
advertising).
3. Inter-personal activities - Management involves achieving goals through people.
Therefore, managers have to interact with superiors as well as the sub-ordinates. They
must maintain good relations with them. The inter-personal activities include with the
sub-ordinates and taking care of the problem. (E.g. Bonuses to be given to the sub-
ordinates).

3. Management as a Discipline

Management as a discipline refers to that branch of knowledge which is connected to study of

principles & practices of basic administration. It specifies certain code of conduct to be followed
by the manager & also various methods for managing resources efficiently.

Management as a discipline specifies certain code of conduct for managers & indicates various
methods of managing an enterprise. Management is a course of study which is now formally
being taught in the institutes and universities after completing a prescribed course or by
obtaining degree or diploma in management, a person can get employment as a manager.

Any branch of knowledge that fulfils following two requirements is known as discipline:
 1. There must be scholars & thinkers who communicate relevant knowledge through
research and publications.
2. The knowledge should be formally imparted by education and training programmes.

Since management satisfies both these problems, therefore it qualifies to be a discipline. Though
it is comparatively a new discipline but it is growing at a faster pace.

Management as a group refers to all those persons who perform the task of managing an
enterprise. When we say that management of ABC & Co. is good, we are referring to a group of
people those who are managing. Thus as a group technically speaking, management will include
all managers from chief executive to the first - line managers (lower-level managers). But in
common practice management includes only top management i.e. Chief Executive, Chairman,
General Manager, Board of Directors etc. In other words, those who are concerned with making
important decisions, these persons enjoy the authorities to use resources to accomplish
organizational objectives & also responsibility to for their efficient utilization.

Management as a group may be looked upon in 2 different ways:

1. All managers taken together.

2. Only the top management

3. Management as Art

Art implies application of knowledge & skill to trying about desired results. An art may be
defined as personalized application of general theoretical principles for achieving best
possible results. Art has the following characters -

1. Practical Knowledge: Every art requires practical knowledge therefore learning of

theory is not sufficient. It is very important to know practical application of theoretical
principles. E.g. to become a good painter, the person may not only be knowing different
colour and brushes but different designs, dimensions, situations etc to use them
appropriately. A manager can never be successful just by obtaining degree or diploma in
management; he must have also know how to apply various principles in real situations
by functioning in capacity of manager.
 2. Personal Skill: Although theoretical base may be same for every artist, but each one has
his own style and approach towards his job. That is why the level of success and quality
of performance differs from one person to another. E.g. there are several qualified
painters but M.F. Hussain is recognized for his style. Similarly management as an art is
also personalized. Every manager has his own way of managing things based on his
knowledge, experience and personality, that is why some managers are known as good
managers (like Aditya Birla, Rahul Bajaj) whereas others as bad.
3. Creativity: Every artist has an element of creativity in line. That is why he aims at
producing something that has never existed before which requires combination of
intelligence & imagination. Management is also creative in nature like any other art. It
combines human and non-human resources in useful way so as to achieve desired results.
It tries to produce sweet music by combining chords in an efficient manner.
4. Perfection through practice: Practice makes a man perfect. Every artist becomes more
and more proficient through constant practice. Similarly managers learn through an art of
trial and error initially but application of management principles over the years makes
them perfect in the job of managing.
5. Goal-Oriented: Every art is result oriented as it seeks to achieve concrete results. In the
same manner, management is also directed towards accomplishment of pre-determined
goals. Managers use various resources like men, money, material, machinery & methods
to promote growth of an organization.

Thus, we can say that management is an art therefore it requires application of certain principles
rather it is an art of highest order because it deals with moulding the attitude and behavior of
people at work towards desired goals.

4. Management is an activity

Management is an activity concerned with guiding human and physical resources such that
organizational goals can be achieved. Nature of management can be highlighted as: -

1. Management is Goal-Oriented: The success of any management activity is assessed by

its achievement of the predetermined goals or objective. Management is a purposeful
 activity. It is a tool which helps use of human & physical resources to fulfill the pre-
determined goals. For example, the goal of an enterprise is maximum consumer
satisfaction by producing quality goods and at reasonable prices. This can be achieved by
employing efficient persons and making better use of scarce resources.
2. Management integrates Human, Physical and Financial Resources: In an
organization, human beings work with non-human resources like machines. Materials,
financial assets, buildings etc. Management integrates human efforts to those resources. It
brings harmony among the human, physical and financial resources.
3. Management is Continuous: Management is an ongoing process. It involves continuous
handling of problems and issues. It is concerned with identifying the problem and taking
appropriate steps to solve it. E.g. the target of a company is maximum production. For
achieving this target various policies have to be framed but this is not the end. Marketing
and Advertising is also to be done. For this policies have to be again framed. Hence this
is an ongoing process.
4. Management is all Pervasive: Management is required in all types of organizations
whether it is political, social, cultural or business because it helps and directs various
efforts towards a definite purpose. Thus clubs, hospitals, political parties, colleges,
hospitals, business firms all require management. When ever more than one person is
engaged in working for a common goal, management is necessary. Whether it is a small
business firm which may be engaged in trading or a large firm like Tata Iron & Steel,
management is required everywhere irrespective of size or type of activity.
5. Management is a Group Activity: Management is very much less concerned with
individual’s efforts. It is more concerned with groups. It involves the use of group effort
to achieve predetermined goal of management of ABC & Co. is good refers to a group of
persons managing the enterprise.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF MANAGEMENT

 Universal: All the organizations, whether it is profit-making or not, they require

management, for managing their activities. Hence it is universal in nature.

 Goal Oriented: Every organization is set up with a predetermined objective and management
helps in reaching those goals timely, and smoothly.

 Continuous Process: It is an ongoing process which tends to persist as long as the

organization exists. It is required in every sphere of the organization whether it is production,
human resource, finance or marketing.

 Multi-dimensional: Management is not confined to the administration of people only, but it

also manages work, processes and operations, which makes it a multi-disciplinary activity.

 Group activity: An organization consists of various members who have different needs,
expectations and beliefs. Every person joins the organization with a different motive, but after
becoming a part of the organization they work for achieving the same goal. It requires
supervision, teamwork and coordination, and in this way, management comes into the picture.

 Dynamic function: An organization exists in a business environment that has various factors
like social, political, legal, technological and economic. A slight change in any of these
factors will affect the organization’s growth and performance. So, to overcome these changes
management formulates strategies and implements them

Golden rules of effective management

Here are some the golden rules of effective management:

 Be consistent: Before your managerial style can be considered effective, it should first be

consistent. This means you cannot discourage and penalise certain behaviour and reward
another person for the same behaviour when they occur. You should also treat all
members of your team equally, as this shows that you are unbiased.
 Communicate clearly: When communicating with your team, ensure your speech is
accurate, clear, thorough and concise. This is the best way to avoid miscommunication
and to keep your team on the same page.

 Recognise and reward hard work: Recognition of good work is one of the key
motivating factors. When members of your team perform well, you should recognise their
efforts as this will please them and show the entire team that hard work is rewarded.

 Be transparent: Being a transparent leader shows your integrity and builds trust within
your team. Lying or withholding information could affect your relationship with the
group and the respect they have for you.

 Encourage team members to come up with ideas: Involve the team members in

brainstorming sessions as they may come up with amazing ideas.

 Set a good example for your team: Being a manager does not mean you can slack off
from doing any work. On the contrary, you have to do your work with a great level of
seriousness as others are looking up to you. If you do not take your work seriously,
neither will they.

 Create a positive environment: Having a positive environment at work encourages

employees to perform better which contributes to the overall success of the organisation.
If employees are happy at work, their performances are likely to improve on a regular
basis.

 Help your employees enjoy work: Removing the dress code or installing a TT table at
work is not the only way of making the workspace enjoyable for your employees. You
could even take them for surprise lunches and dinners. When employees are enjoying
work, they tend to perform better.

 Be organised: Being organised in your work tends to be the difference between

completing a task before a given deadline and missing the deadline altogether. It also
helps in improving the flow of communication between you and your team, leading to
greater productivity and reduction in stress levels.
Time Management
Time management is the process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific
activities. Good time management enables an individual to complete more in a shorter period of
time, lowers stress, and leads to career success. 

Benefits of Time Management

The ability to manage your time effectively is important. Good time management leads to
improved efficiency and productivity, less stress, and more success in life. Here are some
benefits of managing time effectively: 

1. Stress relief

Making and following a task schedule reduces anxiety. As you check off items on your “to-do”
list, you can see that you are making tangible progress. This helps you avoid feeling stressed out
with worry about whether you’re getting things done.

2. More time

Good time management gives you extra time to spend in your daily life. People who can time-
manage effectively enjoy having more time to spend on hobbies or other personal pursuits 

3. More opportunities

Managing time well leads to more opportunities and less time wasted on trivial activities. Good
time management skills are key qualities that employers look for. The ability to prioritize and
schedule work is extremely desirable for any organization.

4. Ability to realize goals

Individuals who practice good time management are able to better achieve goals and objectives,
and do so in a shorter length of time. 
List of Tips for Effective Time Management

After considering the benefits of time management, let’s look at some ways to manage time
effectively: 

1. Set goals correctly

Set goals that are achievable and measurable. Use the SMART method when setting goals. In
essence, make sure the goals you set are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.

2. Prioritize wisely

Prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency. For example, look at your daily tasks and
determine which are:

 Important and urgent: Do these tasks right away.

 Important but not urgent: Decide when to do these tasks.

 Urgent but not important: Delegate these tasks if possible.

 Not urgent and not important: Set these aside to do later.

3. Set a time limit to complete a task

Setting time constraints for completing tasks helps you be more focused and efficient. Making
the small extra effort to decide on how much time you need to allot for each task can also help
you recognize potential problems before they arise. That way you can make plans for dealing
with them.

For example, assume you need to write up five reviews in time for a meeting. However, you
realize that you’ll only be able to get four of them done in the time remaining before the meeting.
If you become aware of this fact well in advance, you may be able to easily delegate writing up
one of the reviews to someone else. However, if you hadn’t bothered to do a time check on your
tasks beforehand, you might have ended up not realizing your time problem until just an hour
before the meeting. At that point, it might be considerably more difficult to find someone to
delegate one of the reviews to, and more difficult for them to fit the task into their day, too.
4. Take a break between tasks

When doing a lot of tasks without a break, it is harder to stay focused and motivated. Allow
some downtime between tasks to clear your head and refresh yourself. Consider grabbing a brief
nap, going for a short walk, or meditating 

5. Organize yourself

Utilize your calendar for more long-term time management. Write down the deadlines for
projects, or for tasks that are part of completing the overall project. Think about which days
might be best to dedicate to specific tasks. For example, you might need to plan a meeting to
discuss cash flow on a day when you know the company CFO is available.

6. Remove non-essential tasks/activities

It is important to remove excess activities or tasks. Determine what is significant and what
deserves your time. Removing non-essential tasks/activities frees up more of your time to be
spent on genuinely important things.

7. Plan ahead

Make sure you start every day with a clear idea of what you need to do – what needs to get done
THAT DAY. Consider making it a habit to, at the end of each workday, go ahead and write out
your “to-do” list for the next workday. That way you can hit the ground running the next
morning.

Implications of Poor Time Management

Let’s also consider the consequences of poor time management.

1. Poor workflow

The inability to plan ahead and stick to goals means poor efficiency. For example, if there are
several important tasks to complete, an effective plan would be to complete related tasks together
or sequentially. However, if you don’t plan ahead, you could end up having to jump back and
forth, or backtrack, in doing your work. That translates to reduced efficiency and lower
productivity. 

2. Wasted time

Poor time management results in wasted time. For example, by talking to friends on social media
while doing an assignment, you are distracting yourself and wasting time. 

3. Loss of control

By not knowing what the next task is, you suffer from loss of control of your life. That can
contribute to higher stress levels and anxiety.

4. Poor quality of work

Poor time management typically makes the quality of your work suffer. For example, having to
rush to complete tasks at the last minute usually compromises quality. 

5. Poor reputation

If clients or your employer cannot rely on you to complete tasks in a timely manner, their
expectations and perceptions of you are adversely affected. If a client cannot rely on you to get
something done on time, they will likely take their business elsewhere.