Administration and management: Meaning, nature and significance

The English word ‗administer‘ is derived from a combination of two Latin words and ‗ministrate‘ meaning ‗to serve or manage‘. Literally, the term means management the affairs of public or private. Administration refers to mobilisation of Resources – human and material- to achieve pre-set of objectives.

Administration is thus an activity undertaken in pursuit of the realisation of a goal. It is an effort requiring a group of persons, each individually carrying out certainallotted tasks, which when so performed by all, leads to the achievement of an objective which has already been established and made explicit.

Management is defined as an act of managing people and their work, for achieving a common goal by using the organization‘s resources. It creates an Environment under which the manager and his subordinates can work together for the attainment of group objective. It is a group of people who use their skills and talent in running the complete system of the organization. It is an activity, a function, a process, a discipline and much more.Planning, organizing, leading, motivating, controlling, coordination and DECISION MAKING are the major activities performed by the management. Management brings together 5M‘s of the organization, i.e. Men,Material, Machines, Methods, and Money. It is a result oriented activity, which focuses on achieving the desired output.

The nature of management can easily be brought out by the following Elements:

(i) Management is goal-oriented: Management is not an end in itself. It is a means to achieve certain goals. Management has no justification to exist without goals. Management goals are called group goals or organisational goals. The basic goal of management is to ensure efficiency and economy in the utilisation of human, physical and financial resources. The success of management is measured by the extent to which the established goals one achieved. Thus, management is purposeful.

(ii) Management is universal: Management is an essential element of every organised activity irrespective of the size or type of activity. Wherever two or more persons are engaged in working for a common goal, management is necessary. All types of organisations, e.g., family, club, university, government, army, cricket team or business, require management. Thus, management is a pervasive activity. The fundamental principles of management are applicable in all areas of organised effort.

Managers at all levels perform the same basic functions.

(iii) Management is an Integrative Force: The essence of management lies in the coordination of individual efforts in to a team. Management reconciles the individual goals with organisational goals. As unifying force, management creates a whole that is more than the sum of individual parts. It integrates human and other resources.

(iv) Management is a Social Process: Management is done by people, through people and for people. It is a social process because it is concerned with interpersonal relations. Human factor is the most important element in management. According to

Appley, ―Man- agement is the development of people not the direction of things. A good manager is a leader not a boss. It is the pervasiveness of human element which gives management its special character as a social process‖.

(v) Management is multidisciplinary: Management has to deal with human behaviour under dynamic conditions. Therefore, it depends upon wide knowledge derived from several disciplines like engineering, Sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, etc. The vast body of knowledge in management draws heavily upon other fields of study.

(vi) Management is a continuous Process: Management is a dynamic and an on-going process. The cycle of management continues to operate so long as there is organised action for the achievement of group goals.

(vii) Management is Intangible: Management is an unseen or invisible force. It cannot be seen but its presence can be felt everywhere in the form of results. However, the managers who perform the FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT are very much tangible and visible.

(viii) Management is an Art as well as Science: It contains a systematic body of theoretical knowledge and it also involves the practical application of such knowledge. Management is also a discipline involving specialised training and an ethical code arising out of its social obligations.

The significance of management can be brought out by following points:-

(i) Achievement of group goals: A human group consists of several persons, each specialising in doing a part of the total task. Each person may be working efficiently, but the group as a whole cannot realise its objectives unless there is mutual cooperation and coordination among the members of the group. Manage- ment creates team-work and coordination in the group. He reconciles the objectives of the group with those of its members so that each one of them is motivated to make his best contribution towards the accomplishment of group goals. Managers provide inspiring Leadership to keep the members of the group working hard.

(ii) Optimum utilisation of resources: Managers forecast the need for materials, machinery, money and manpower. They ensure that the organisation has adequate resources and at the sametime does not have idle resources. They create and maintain an environment conducive to highest productivity. Managers make sure that workers know their jobs well and use the most effi- cient methods of work. They provide training and guidance to employeers so that they can make the best use of the available resources.

(iii) Minimisation of cost: In the modern era of cut-throat competition no business can succeed unless it is able to supply the required goods and Services at the lowest possible cost per unit. Manage- ment directs day-to-day operations in such a manner that all wastage and extravagance are avoided. By reducing costs and improving efficiency, managers enable an enterprise to be com- petent to face competitors and earn profits.

(iv) Survival and Growth: Modern business operates in a rapidly changing environment. An enterprise has to adapt itself to the changing demands of the market and Society. Management keeps in touch with the existing business environment and draws its predictions about the trends in future. It takes steps in advance to meet the challenges of changing environment. Changes in busi- ness environment create risks as well as opportunities. Manag- ers enable the enterprise to minimise the risks and maximise the benefits of opportunities. In this way, managers facilitate the continuity and prosperity of business.

(v) Generation of EMPLOYMENT: By setting up and expanding busi- ness enterprises, managers create jobs for the people. People earn their livelihood by working in these organisations. Managers also create such an environment that people working in enterprise can get job satisfaction and happiness. In this way managers help to satisfy the economic and social needs of the employees.

(vi) Development of the nation: Efficient management is equally important at the national level. Management is the most crucial factor in economic and social development. The development of a country largely depends on the quality of the management of its resources. Capital Investment and import of technical know how cannot lead to economic growth unless wealth producing resources are managed efficiently. By producing wealth, management increases the NATIONAL INCOME and the living standards of people. That is why management is regarded as a key to the economic growth of a country.,

Administration and management are two closely related concepts that are often used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Administration is the process of planning, organizing, and directing an organization. Management is the process of overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization.

Administration and management are essential for the success of any organization. They help to ensure that the organization’s goals are met and that its resources are used efficiently. Administration and management also help to create a positive work environment and to motivate employees.

There are many different theories and models of administration and management. Some of the most well-known theories include scientific management, bureaucratic management, and human relations management. These theories offer different perspectives on how to best manage an organization.

There are also many different tools and techniques that can be used in administration and management. Some of the most common tools include BUDGETING, forecasting, and decision-making. These tools can help managers to make informed decisions about how to run their organizations.

Administration and management require a variety of skills. Some of the most important skills include Communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Managers also need to be able to motivate and inspire their employees.

The roles of administrators and managers vary depending on the size and type of organization. However, some of the most common roles include planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and staffing.

Administration and management face a number of challenges. Some of the most common challenges include dealing with change, managing conflict, and motivating employees. Managers also need to be able to comply with government regulations.

The future of administration and management is likely to be shaped by a number of factors, including technological advances, Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization, and demographic changes. Managers will need to be able to adapt to these changes in order to be successful.

In conclusion, administration and management are essential for the success of any organization. They help to ensure that the organization’s goals are met and that its resources are used efficiently. Administration and management also help to create a positive work environment and to motivate employees. There are many different theories and models of administration and management, as well as a variety of tools and techniques that can be used. Administration and management require a variety of skills, and the roles of administrators and managers vary depending on the size and type of organization. Administration and management face a number of challenges, but the future of the field is likely to be shaped by a number of factors, including technological advances, globalization, and demographic changes.

Administration and management are two closely related concepts, but they have distinct meanings. Administration is the process of overseeing and coordinating the activities of an organization, while management is the process of planning, organizing, and directing the work of an organization.

Administration is concerned with the overall functioning of an organization, while management is concerned with the specific tasks that need to be done in order for the organization to achieve its goals. Administration is typically carried out by a team of administrators, while management is typically carried out by a team of managers.

Administration and management are both essential for the success of any organization. Without effective administration, an organization would be unable to function smoothly. Without effective management, an organization would be unable to achieve its goals.

Here are some frequently asked questions about administration and management:

What is the difference between administration and management?

Administration is the process of overseeing and coordinating the activities of an organization, while management is the process of planning, organizing, and directing the work of an organization.

What are the key functions of administration?

The key functions of administration include planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling.

What are the key functions of management?

The key functions of management include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling.

What are the skills and qualities required for administration and management?

The skills and qualities required for administration and management include communication, problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and teamwork.

What are the challenges of administration and management?

The challenges of administration and management include dealing with change, managing conflict, and motivating employees.

What are the rewards of administration and management?

The rewards of administration and management include making a difference in the world, working with talented people, and having a challenging and rewarding career.

What are the trends in administration and management?

The trends in administration and management include the increasing use of technology, the globalization of business, and the need for greater flexibility and adaptability.

What are the future of administration and management?

The future of administration and management is bright. The demand for qualified administrators and managers is expected to grow in the coming years.

Which of the following is not a function of management?
(A) Planning
(B) Organizing
(C) Directing
(D) Controlling
(E) Evaluating
Which of the following is not a type of organization?
(A) Line organization
(B) Staff organization
(C) Functional organization
(D) Divisional organization
(E) Matrix organization
Which of the following is not a principle of management?
(A) Unity of command
(B) Span of control
(C) Division of labor
(D) Scalar principle
(E) Exception principle
Which of the following is not a tool of management?
(A) Budgeting
(B) Forecasting
(C) Scheduling
(D) Time management
(E) Decision making
Which of the following is not a type of decision?
(A) Programmed decision
(B) Non-programmed decision
(C) Individual decision
(D) Group decision
(E) Strategic decision
Which of the following is not a style of leadership?
(A) Autocratic
(B) Democratic
(C) Laissez-faire
(D) Participative
(E) Transactional
Which of the following is not a motivation theory?
(A) Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
(B) Herzberg’s two-factor theory
(C) McClelland’s theory of needs
(D) Vroom’s expectancy theory
(E) Adams’ Equity theory
Which of the following is not a communication channel?
(A) Formal channel
(B) Informal channel
(C) Upward channel
(D) Downward channel
(E) Lateral channel
Which of the following is not a conflict resolution style?
(A) Avoidance
(B) Accommodation
(C) Competition
(D) Collaboration
(E) Compromise
Which of the following is not a change management strategy?
(A) Unfreezing
(B) Changing
(C) Refreezing
(D) Force-coercion
(E) Persuasion