Nature of Management
Sunny Bhaskar
11/7/20242 min read
The nature of management refers to its characteristics and essential qualities that define how it operates in an organization.
Below are the key aspects of the nature of management
1. Management is Universal:
Management principles are applicable to all types of organizations, whether they are businesses, governments, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.
Example: A company, school, or hospital all require management to function effectively.
2. Goal-Oriented:
Management is always directed towards achieving organizational goals and objectives. All managerial activities focus on this purpose.
Example: Increasing profits, expanding the market, or improving service quality.
3. Management is a Continuous Process:
Management is an ongoing process that continues throughout the life of the organization. The functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are repeated continuously.
Example: A manager regularly updates plans and adjusts resources based on new challenges.
4. Management is Multidisciplinary
Management uses knowledge from various disciplines like economics, sociology, psychology, and statistics to solve problems and make decisions.
Example: A manager uses economics for financial decisions and psychology for understanding employee motivation.
5. Management is a Group Activity
Management involves coordinating the efforts of people to achieve organizational goals. It is not an individual activity but requires teamwork.
Example: A marketing team working under a manager to launch a new product.
6. Dynamic and Flexible
Management adapts to changing environments (market trends, technology, competition) and modifies strategies as needed.
Example: A company changes its business strategy in response to a new competitor entering the market.
7. Management Involves Decision-Making
Managers are constantly faced with making decisions that affect the organization. These decisions are based on planning, organizing, and controlling the activities.
Example: A manager deciding on the best marketing strategy to improve sales.
8. Management is Intangible
Management cannot be seen or touched; it is not a physical entity. Its presence is felt through the results, productivity, and efficiency of the organization.
Example: The success of a company reflects the effectiveness of its management, but management itself is not a visible entity.
9. Management is Both an Art and a Science
Science: Management follows established principles and theories that can be learned and applied systematically (e.g., planning techniques, organizational structures).
Art: It also requires skill, creativity, and personal expertise to lead people and solve problems effectively.
In summary, management is a universal, goal-oriented, continuous, multidisciplinary, and dynamic activity that involves teamwork, decision-making, and balancing both scientific principles and creative application to achieve organizational success.