Definition of Management

Definition of Management
"Management is the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals,
working together in groups, efficiently accomplish selected aims."
Harold Koontz and Heinz Weihrich

"Management is defined as the process of planning, organising, actuating and controlling an

organization’s operations in order to achieve coordination of the human and material resources
essential in the effective and efficient attainment of objectives."
Robert L. Trewelly and M. Gene Newport

"Management is the process of working with and through others to effectively achieve
organizational objectives by efficiently using limited resources in the changing environment."
Kreitner

Meaning of Management
Management has been defined as a process of getting things done with the aim of achieving
goals effectively and efficiently. We need to analyze this definition. There are certain terms
which require elaboration. These are:

(a) Process: Process in the definition means the primary functions or activities that management
performs to get things done. These functions are planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and
controlling.

(b) Effectively: Being effective or doing work effectively basically means finishing the given task.
Effectiveness in management is concerned with doing the right task, completing activities, and
achieving goals. In other words, it is concerned with the end result.

(c) Efficiently: But it is not enough to just complete the tasks. There is another aspect also, i.e.,
being efficient or as we say doing work efficiently. Efficiency means doing the task correctly and
with minimum cost. If by using fewer resources (i.e., the inputs) more benefits are derived (i.e.,
the outputs) then efficiency has increased. Efficiency is also increased when for the same
benefit or outputs, fewer resources are used and fewer costs are incurred. Input resources are
money, materials, equipment, and persons required to do a particular task. Obviously,
management is concerned with the efficient use of these resources because they reduce costs
and ultimately lead to higher profits.

Characteristics of Management

1. Goal-Oriented Process: Management unites the efforts of different individuals in the

organization towards achieving these goals.
2. All-Pervasive: The activities involved in managing an enterprise are common to all
organizations whether economic, social, or political.

3. Multidimensional: Management is a complex activity that has three main dimensions:

Management of work, management of people, and management of operations.

4. Continuous Process: The process of management is a series of continuous, composite, but

separate functions (planning, organizing, directing, staffing, and controlling) performed
simultaneously by all managers all the time.

5. Group Activity: An organization is a collection of diverse individuals with different needs, and
management requires teamwork and coordination of individual effort in a common direction.

6. Dynamic Function: Management must adapt itself to the changing environment, interacting
with external factors such as social, economic, and political influences.

7. Intangible Force: The presence of management is felt in the way the organization functions,
leading to orderliness and efficiency.

Importance of Management

Management helps in achieving group goals.

Increases efficiency by reducing costs and increasing productivity.
Creates a dynamic organization that can adapt to changes.
Aids in achieving personal objectives of employees.
Contributes to the development of society through various means.

Nature of Management

Management is as old as civilization and has evolved over time based on experience and
practice. It combines aspects of art, science, and a profession.

Management as an Art: It involves skillful application of knowledge acquired through study,

observation, and experience. It's personalized, practical, and based on creativity.

Management as a Science: It relies on systematic knowledge, cause-and-effect relationships,

experimentation, and universal validity.

Management as a Profession: It exhibits characteristics such as a well-defined body of

knowledge, restricted entry, professional associations, ethical codes, and a service motive.

Purpose of Management

To achieve objectives.
To create cooperation and coordination.
To eliminate the waste of resources.
To create friendly relations.
To regulate and coordinate activities.
To make things happen.
To solve functional problems.
To enable the rational use of resources.

Functions of a Manager in an Organization

1. Planning: Determining in advance what needs to be done and how to do it efficiently and
effectively.

2. Organizing: Assigning duties, grouping tasks, establishing authority, and allocating resources
to implement plans.

3. Staffing: Finding the right people for the right job through recruitment, selection, placement,
and training.

4. Directing: Leading, influencing, motivating, and supervising employees to achieve tasks and
create a productive atmosphere.

5. Controlling: Monitoring performance, comparing it to standards, and taking corrective action

when necessary.

Levels of Management

Top Management: Senior executives responsible for setting organizational goals and strategies.

Middle Management: Links top and lower-level managers, responsible for implementing and
controlling plans.

Supervisory or Operational Management: Foremen and supervisors who directly oversee the
workforce.

Coordination - The Essence of Management

Coordination is the force that binds all management functions together, ensuring unity of action
in the realization of common objectives.

Characteristics of Coordination

Integrates group efforts.

Ensures unity of action.
Continuous process.
All-pervasive function.
Deliberate and conscious.