Meaning, Objectives, Importance and Characteristics of Management Management
In Business Studies, we learn about business management study. We know what a business is. But what about Management? Business Management does not merely mean managing the business, it includes different facets of the business that are being focused to manage the overall business.
In this section, we will know about the nature and characteristics of management. Knowing nature and its features will help us to strengthen our concept about management which will help us to know the true meaning of this business function.
What is Management?
Management is the systematic process of planning, organising, leading, and controlling organisational resources to achieve specific goals efficiently and effectively. It serves as the backbone of any organisation, ensuring that objectives are met through coordinated efforts. Understanding the characteristics of management is essential for understanding how organisations operate and succeed.
Key Characteristics of Management
Goal-Oriented Process: Management focuses on achieving organisational objectives by aligning individual efforts toward common goals. This ensures that all activities contribute to the organisation's mission.
Pervasive: Management principles are applicable across all types of organisations—social, economic, or political—and at all levels, from top executives to frontline supervisors. This universality underscores its fundamental importance.
Multidimensional:
Management of Work: Involves planning and executing tasks to achieve organisational goals.
Management of People: Entails leading and motivating individuals to perform effectively.
Management of Operations: Oversees the processes that transform inputs into desired outputs.
Continuous Process: Management is an ongoing series of interrelated functions, including planning, organising, staffing, directing, and controlling, that are performed continuously to adapt to changing environments.
Group Activity: It involves coordinating the efforts of a group of people, recognising that teamwork and collaboration are essential for achieving organisational objectives.
Dynamic Function: Management must adapt to the ever-changing external environment, including social, economic, and political factors, to ensure organisational success.
Intangible Force: While management itself is not visible, its presence is felt through the efficient and effective functioning of an organisation, leading to the achievement of goals.
Characteristics of Strategic Management
Strategic management involves the formulation and implementation of major goals and initiatives, considering resources and an assessment of internal and external environments. Key characteristics include:
Long-Term Focus: Strategic management is concerned with long-term goals and the direction of the organisation.
Comprehensive Framework: It provides a structured approach for aligning resources and actions with mission, vision, and strategy throughout an organisation.
Competitive Advantage: Aims to achieve and maintain a competitive edge in the market by responding effectively to opportunities and threats.
Dynamic Process: Involves continuous assessment and adjustment to strategies based on changes in the internal and external environment.
Characteristics of Management Accounting
Management accounting focuses on providing financial information to managers for decision-making. Its characteristics include:
Forward-Looking: Emphasises future projections rather than historical data.
Decision-Oriented: Provides relevant information to assist management in planning, controlling, and decision-making.
Flexible: Not bound by standardised rules, allowing adaptation to the specific needs of the organisation.
Confidential: Information is used internally and is not disclosed to external parties.
Nature and Characteristics of Management
Management is both an art and a science, combining theoretical principles with practical application. Its nature includes:
Universal Application: Applicable to all types of organisations and levels of management.
Systematic Discipline: Involves a structured approach with established principles and practices.
Social Process: Involves managing people and relationships to achieve organisational goals.
Management is a multifaceted and dynamic process that is pivotal in achieving organisational objectives. It combines planning, organising, leading, and controlling to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Whether viewed as a goal-oriented, pervasive, or intangible force, the characteristics of management highlight its universality and importance in all types of organisations. By understanding its principles and adapting to changing environments, management not only drives individual and group performance but also lays the foundation for sustainable success.
FAQs on Characteristics of Management
1. What are the characteristics of management?
Management has several important characteristics, including:
- goal-oriented methods,
- group activity,
- universal application,
- continuous process,
- intangible force,
- coordination of resources, and
- decision-making skills
2. What is the introduction of management?
Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve specific organizational goals efficiently. It applies to businesses, schools, and all types of organizations, where managers coordinate efforts to reach objectives and maintain order using established principles and strategies.
3. What are the five characteristics of management as a profession?
The five characteristics making management a profession are:
- specialized knowledge,
- formal education and training,
- professional association,
- ethical code of conduct, and
- service motive
4. What is the best definition of management?
Management is best defined as the coordinated process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources, including people and finances, to efficiently achieve organizational objectives. It involves decision-making, communication, and leadership to guide a group toward specific goals using systematic methods.
5. Why is management considered a universal activity?
Management is called a universal activity because it is needed in every type of organization, whether business, school, hospital, or government. Wherever resources must be organized and goals must be achieved, basic management principles are applied to ensure success.
6. How does management coordinate resources?
Management coordinates resources by assigning tasks, scheduling activities, and ensuring people, money, and materials are used efficiently. This coordination helps reduce waste, optimizes productivity, and ensures every resource supports achievement of the organization’s overall objectives and goals.
7. What are the main functions involved in management?
The main functions of management typically include:
- planning,
- organizing,
- staffing,
- leading or directing, and
- controlling
8. Why is management considered a continuous process?
Management is a continuous process because managers must constantly adapt plans, decisions, and control measures as situations, goals, and environments change. It involves ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment to keep organizations running smoothly and meeting new challenges.
9. What makes management an intangible force?
Management is called an intangible force because it cannot be seen or touched, but its effects—like teamwork, productivity, and goal achievement—are visible. It influences organizational behavior through planning, leadership, and coordination rather than physical objects or direct outputs.
10. How is decision-making important in management?
Decision-making is vital in management, as it determines the direction of resources, strategies, and actions within an organization. Smart decisions help managers solve problems, seize opportunities, and guide teams efficiently toward meeting specific goals and objectives.
11. What role does leadership play in management?
Leadership in management directs and motivates teams to achieve organizational goals. A strong leader inspires confidence, ensures cooperation, and creates a supportive environment, making it easier for the group to overcome challenges and fulfill objectives together.
12. Can management principles be applied to non-business organizations?
Yes, management principles can be applied to non-business organizations like schools, hospitals, and charities. Wherever people work toward a shared objective and use resources, management techniques ensure efficiency, teamwork, and effective achievement of organizational or community goals.
