Introduction to Management

What is Management?

• Management is not easy to define, but it involves getting things done, saying what needs to be done, and getting it done.
• It involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling: the art of getting things done by and through people (WHO, 1993).
• Good management is essential for the smooth functioning of an organization, just like health is to the body.

Who Are Managers?

• Managers are the executive function of the organization, building and coordinating the entire system.
• They create systems and conditions that enable others to perform tasks and ensure the department or organization will survive and thrive.
• Managers recognize the key role of people and give direction to their organization, provide leadership, and decide how to use organizational resources to accomplish goals.

Where Do Managers Work?

• Managers work in organizations, which are systematic arrangements of people brought together to accomplish a specific purpose.
• Common characteristics of organizations include distinct purpose and goals, people, and systematic structure.

Organization Levels

• Operatives are people who work directly on a job or task and have no responsibility for overseeing the work of others.
• Managers are individuals in an organization who direct the activities of others.
• There are three levels of management: first-line, middle, and top managers.

Management Processes/Functions

• The management process involves planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (P-O-L-C).
• Planning includes defining goals, establishing strategy, and developing plans to coordinate activities.
• Organizing involves determining what tasks to be done, who is to do them, and how the tasks are to be grouped.
• Leading includes motivating employees, directing the activities of others, and resolving conflicts.
• Controlling involves monitoring performance, comparing it with goals, and correcting any significant deviations.

Management Skills

• Managers need conceptual, interpersonal, and technical skills to be successful.
• Conceptual skills involve seeing the organization as a whole system.
• Human skills involve working with and through other people.
• Technical skills involve understanding and proficiency in specific tasks.

Relationship of Skills to Management

• Management skills are tested most during turbulent times.
• Common failures of managers include poor communication, failure to listen, poor interpersonal skills, treating employees as instruments, and failure to clarify direction and performance expectations.

Management Types

• There are vertical differences in management, including top, middle, and first-line managers.
• There are also horizontal differences, including functional departments like advertising, manufacturing, and sales.

How Does Management Relate to Other Disciplines?

• Management relates to sociology, political science, psychology, economics, philosophy, and anthropology.

The Transition to a New Workplace

• Today's best managers focus on coaching and providing guidance, creating organizations that are fast, flexible, innovative, and relationship-oriented.
• A successful manager requires a blend of formal learning (science) and practice (art).