Meaning & definition of Management

 

Management as an Art: Getting Things Done Efficiently and Effectively

Management is an art of getting things done through others efficiently and effectively. Management is an art, what exactly it means, your personal skills, and what you can do with your personal skills to get work done by somebody else; that is called management.

You are supposed to get work done effectively and efficiently, only then it will be productive management.

In other words, management is a process of administrating and controlling the affairs of the organization irrespective of its nature, type, structure, and size. Whether it is a small company or a big company, a small business enterprise or an entrepreneur who has started a huge business, management is needed everywhere. In your house also there is management because when you are telling your younger siblings something or your elder siblings are ordering you something, they are also doing management, getting the work done from you. It is an act of creating and maintaining such a business environment, wherein the members of the organization can work together and achieve business objectives efficiently and effectively.

Nature & Scope of Management 

 

Management: The Art and Science of Getting Things Done

Management means getting work done through others in an efficient and effective way. Over time, management has evolved from the early days of civilization to the 21st century, adapting to the changing needs of businesses. The shift from nomadic life to modern civilization shows how management has changed.

Management as a Process and Practice
Management involves studying and applying different techniques to manage an organization’s affairs. As businesses grow, the nature of management also changes. What worked in the 20th century might not be useful in the 21st century, and we don’t know exactly what will happen in the future. As Harold Koontz, a famous management expert, says, “Management is an art of getting things done through and with people in a formally organized group.”

What is the Nature of Management?

1. Management is Multi-Disciplinary
   Management is multi-disciplinary, meaning it involves knowledge from many areas such as psychology, sociology, and economics. Understanding these subjects helps managers motivate employees, understand teams, and make better decisions. For example, a manager might use psychology to motivate the team, economics for pricing decisions, sociology to understand group behavior, and finance for budgeting. This is why management is multi-disciplinary—it uses concepts from different fields to achieve business goals.
2. Dynamic Nature of Management
   Management is flexible. When business conditions change or uncertainties arise, management must adapt. This dynamic nature allows companies to respond quickly to challenges and stay competitive. If management is flexible, it can adjust to the changing needs of the business environment, helping organizations survive and grow.
3. Relative, Not Absolute Principles
   Management is not fixed; it is relative. This means that management practices vary depending on the size, culture, and challenges faced by a company. A small business may have a more informal, flexible management style, while a large corporation may require a more structured and formal approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in management.
   • Example:
     • A small business like a local shop may have a hands-on manager, who quickly makes decisions and works directly with the team.
     • A large business like a multinational corporation may have a formal management system, with layers of management and standardized processes.

Management as Science & Art

1. Management as Art
   Management as an art involves using your personal skills to get work done through others. It requires creativity, intuition, and the ability to adapt to different situations to achieve desired outcomes.
2. Management as Science
   Management as a science is based on systematic knowledge, principles, and theories that can be applied to solve problems. It is about understanding the cause-and-effect relationships and using data analysis to make informed decisions.
   • Example:
     • A restaurant manager might use data to understand customer preferences, manage inventory, and reduce waste. This is management as science.
     • The same manager might also create a welcoming environment, train staff, and handle customer needs, which is management as art.

Management as a Profession

Management as a profession means it is a field that requires specialized knowledge, formal education, and ethical practices, just like professions such as law or medicine.

• Specialized Knowledge: Managers must have knowledge in areas like planning, organizing, and decision-making.
• Formal Education and Training: Many managers pursue degrees like an MBA or certifications in management.
• Code of Conduct: Managers follow ethical guidelines and maintain professional standards.
• Service Motive: Management aims to serve both the organization and society efficiently.
• Recognition: Management is recognized as a profession requiring expertise and responsibility.
  • Example:
    A project manager overseeing a construction project uses their training to manage timelines, allocate resources, and ensure safety. This shows how management combines knowledge with professionalism.