Meaning of Management

Management means getting things done in the right way by working with and through people to achieve a goal. It helps in planning, organizing, and making sure everything runs smoothly.

For example, If you are organizing a college event, you plan the activities, assign roles to classmates, and make sure everything goes smoothly. This is management!

The word management is originated from the two Latin words 'manus' which means hand and 'agere' which means to act.

Definition 

Mary Parker Follet who an American management consultant and social worker stated, ''Management is an art of getting things done through others.''

Characteristics of Management

1. Management is Goal Oriented: The main job of a manager is to set goals for the organization and help the team work towards achieving them.

For example, let's say you want to prepare for your exams so what will be your goal? 

To achieve this goal you make a plan: allocate time for each subject, study consistently and take regular breaks.

Characteristics of Management

1. Management is Goal Oriented: The main job of a manager is to set goals for the organization and help the team work towards achieving them. For example, let's say you want to prepare for your exams so what will be your goal? To achieve this goal you make a plan: allocate time for each subject, study consistently and take regular breaks.

2. Management is a Group Activity: Management is all about coordination. The activities are done by a team or a group under the guidance of a manager.

For example, A manager assigns different tasks to team members for a marketing campaign. One person handles social media, another creates content, and a third designs graphics. The manager ensures everyone communicates, stays on track, and the campaign is completed on time.

3. Management is Intangible: Management is intangible means you can't see or touch it. It's about planning, organizing, and guiding people to reach goals. You can see the results, like a successful team, but the management itself is something you can't physically see.

For example, imagine a teacher managing a classroom. You can't see the management itself, but you can see the results, like a quiet, well-organized class where everyone is learning.

4. Management is a Continuous Process: Management is a continuous process means that management never stops. It keeps happening every day. Managers always plan, organize, lead, and control to make sure everything is going well. Even when one task is finished, they start planning for the next one.

For example, "Think of a school principal. They keep making plans, organizing events, and solving problems every day. Once one task is done, they start working on the next. Management never stops.

5. Management is Situational: Management is situational means that the way a manager leads or makes decisions depends on the specific situation or context.

For example, in an emergency, a manager might take quick, direct action to solve a problem. But in a regular meeting, they might ask for team input and collaborate more. The approach changes based on the situation.

6. Management is Universal: Management is universal means that the principles of management apply everywhere, regardless of the industry or location.

For example, whether managing a restaurant, a school, or a factory, a manager will always need to plan, organize, lead, and control tasks to achieve goals. The basic management skills are the same in all settings.