Management Principles and Practices

Management

• The art of getting things done through others
• Social and technical process of utilizing resources, influencing human action, and facilitating change to accomplish organizational goals
• Proficient management is vital for organizational success, regardless of constraints
• Incompetent management can lead to organizational failure, even with abundant resources
• Applicable to both profit-oriented businesses and non-profit organizations

Managers

• Individuals who practice the art of management
• Responsible for gathering and effectively managing resources, striving to achieve the organization's goals
• Examples include directors, managing directors, general managers, and managers at various levels

Organizational Behavior (OB)

• The study of how individuals and groups behave within organizations, considering the impact of structure on behavior
• Applies knowledge to enhance organizational effectiveness
• Focuses on the mutual interest between organizations and individuals
• Organizations rely on people, and people need organizations to achieve their goals
• Mutuality of interest creates a common ground for cooperation
• Uses a holistic approach, considering the entire person, group, organization, and social system to understand behavior

History of OB

• Influenced by ideas of Adam Smith, Charles Babbage, and Robert Owen

Adam Smith

• Promoted the economic advantages of division of labor in The Wealth of Nations (1776)
• Argued that division of labor increases productivity by improving worker skill and dexterity, saving time lost switching tasks, and encouraging innovation
• Led to the widespread development of assembly-line production in the 20th century

Challenges and Opportunities for OB

• Dynamic and rapidly changing, driven by technological shifts, structural changes, and environmental changes
• Challenges are greater than ever before, creating a need for adaptation and change

Improving People's Skills

• Technological advancements, including e-commerce, require continuous skill development
• Rapid changes in practices, like online shopping, increase the demand for adaptable employees

Improving Ethical Behavior

• Increasing complexities in business operations force employees to navigate ethical dilemmas
• Ethical guidelines are not always clear, blurring the line between right and wrong
• Unethical practices, like insider trading and cover-ups, are becoming more prevalent

Improving Customer Service

• Customers are increasingly demanding, requiring proactive and customer-centric service
• Utilizing technology, like computers and the internet, is critical for improving sales and after-sales service

Helping Employees Balance Work-Life Conflicts

• Work-life balance is a growing concern for employees, with the lines blurring due to advancements like globalization and the rise of online communication
• Organizations need to recognize and address the challenges to help employees manage work and personal responsibilities

Globalisation

• Has created a global marketplace with increased opportunities and competition
• Companies must adapt strategies to local markets and potentially consider offshore outsourcing to remain competitive
• Increased mobility in international capital and labor markets presents both opportunities and tensions
• Asymmetries exist between groups that can cross international borders (capital owners, skilled workers) and those that cannot (unskilled workers, middle managers)
• Conflict arises between domestic norms and globalized practices

Political Science

• Political scientists study individual and group behavior within political environments
• Offer insights into power dynamics, conflict resolution, and power manipulation
• Knowledge can be applied to employee and executive behavior within organizations

Explore the essential principles of management and the role of managers in organizations. This quiz delves into the processes that influence organizational behavior and the importance of effective management for success. Test your understanding of management concepts applicable to various organizational types.