Introduction to Management Concepts

Study Notes

Management is the coordination of work activities to achieve organizational goals effectively and efficiently.
Effectiveness refers to doing the right things while efficiency focuses on doing things right (using the least amount of resources).

Managers work with and through other people to coordinate work activities and achieve organizational goals.
They can be found in all types of organizations, regardless of their age, gender, or position level.

An organization is a group of people intentionally brought together to achieve a specific goal.
Organizations share common characteristics: goals, people, and structure.

Top Managers make strategic decisions that impact the entire organization. They hold titles such as CEO, COO, President, EVP, etc.
Middle Managers supervise first-line managers and manage the work of their teams. Typical titles include Regional Manager, Project Leader, Plant Manager, etc.
First-Line Managers directly oversee non-managerial employees involved in production or service delivery. Examples of titles include Supervisor, Shift Manager, District Manager, Department Manager, or Office Manager.
Team Leaders manage activities within a specific work team. They work with and through others to achieve organizational goals.

Managers perform a variety of activities across different organizational levels; however, the proportion of time spent on each activity varies, often with a more focused emphasis on leading and controlling at lower levels.

Planning: Defining goals, developing strategies, and coordinating activities.
Organizing: Determining who does what, how tasks are done, and who is responsible.
Leading: Directing and motivating individuals, resolving conflicts.
Controlling: Monitoring activities to ensure they are completed as planned.