Introduction to Management

Introduction

In this lecture we will discuss the significance of management in achieving organizational objectives efficiently and effectively. Managers do this by carrying out the functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, motivating, communicating and controlling. Managing is an essential activity at all levels although the managerial skills and roles vary at different organizational levels. This lecture begins with some background knowledge to the discipline of management, and the main purpose is to understand the meaning, process, skills and functions of management.

The meaning of management

Management has been defined in many different ways by different authors. Here is a sample: -

ü  Management is the art of getting things done through and with people in formally organized groups.(Haimann, T.)

ü  Management is simply the process of decision-making and control over the actions of human beings for the express purpose of attaining predetermined goals.(Vance S.)

ü  Management is a social process entailing responsibility for the effective and economic planning and regulations of the operations of an enterprise in fulfilment of a given purpose or task (Brech E. F., 1957).

ü  Management is the coordination of all resources through the process of planning, organizing, directing and controlling in order to attain a given stated objective (Fayol H. 1916; & Koontz and O’Donnel, 1976)

From the above range of definitions, it is obvious that management is a complex process with many facets/elements/dimensions.

Characteristics of Management:

To further enhance our understanding of the term management, we shall now examine some of its major characteristics.

(i)                 Management is an activity.

Management is an activity that concerns the effective use of all resources both human and non-human.  It is the driving force that inspires an undertaking.  It creates the conditions and relationships that bring about the full use of resources.

(ii)        Management is Purposeful and goal-oriented.

The main concern of management is the achievement of clearly defined goals or objectives.  Management is said to be successful only to the extent to which these objectives are achieved.

(iii)       Management is a Social Process

Organizations are social entities, as they are constituted of people.  As such, management has to control, organize and motivate people and create a favourable climate for their development.

(iv)       Management is getting things done.

A manager does not usually do the operating work himself, but gets the work done with and through people. A manager has to direct people, harness talents through training and procure technical, human, and psychological skills (intellectual capital).

(vi)             Management is an intangible force.

Though intangible, management is not abstract but a social skill which is evident by the quality of the organization in terms of the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.

(vii)          Management is an Integrating Process.

Management brings together people, machines and materials to carry out the operation of the organization and achieve a set of given objectives. It is a result-oriented process.

(viii)        Management is separate from ownership.

Management and ownership may be the same in small family or individual or sole proprietorship businesses, but in modern enterprises or corporations, a vast number of shareholders own the business enterprise or organization, while management is in the hands of qualified, professional and competent managers, who normally do not posses any ownership interest.

(ix)             Management is a Universal Activity

The techniques and tools of management are universally applicable. Managers perform the same functions regardless of their position in the management hierarchy, type of enterprise or location of enterprise.

(x)               Management is a social science

The science of management is universally accepted as a distinct discipline. It has assumed professional character, hence requiring the use of specific knowledge, skill and practice. It utilizes certain fundamental concepts, theories, tools and techniques that constitute the subject matter of management. It therefore satisfies all the conditions of a profession.