In this article we'll discuss the characteristics of management. But before discussing the characteristics, let's look on the definition of management first.
What does management mean?
Management can be defined as a process which involves science and art to utilize various resources including human resources, financial resources and material resources in order to achieve organizational goals. The five functions of management, --- planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling --- ensure better utilization of resources and achievement of goals set by an organization. So on other hand, we can simply say management is a process of planning, organization, staffing, directing and controlling organizational resources so as to attain the set goals and objectives.
Now let's jump on the characteristics/features of management and discuss them in deep.
Characteristics of management are the management attributes that define how it works in any company or institution. These attributes describe how management utilizes organizational resources to achieve the targeted goals. All levels of management (top level, middle level and lower level) share the same characteristics regardless of the difference in authority, skills and roles. In this article we'll look on some features of management that describes its nature and importance to an organization in a structured manner as described below.
1. Management is goal oriented:
Management is mainly focusing on goal achievement. The core of management based on setting and achievement of organizational goals. Any activity that is carried out in a company aims at attaining a certain goal or objective. Managers strive to collect all resources including workforce, work materials and financial resources required for achievement of the organizational objectives. The company's efforts toward reaching the specified set goals reflect goal orientation of management. For instance, the core objective in a production company might be to maximize the output at lowest cost, thus the management efforts will be focusing on it.
2. Management is Universal:
The principles of management can be applied in any organization. Whether it's a governmental, non-profit or profit company. Management is universal in two ways, first, it applies across all sectors, and second, it applies across geographical regions. Management is important to any organization regardless of its size, location and nature.
3. Management is a continuous process:
Management is an ongoing process. It doesn't end up on policy formulation but undergoing through assessment, modification, and application. The five functions of management (planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling) are the processes that depend on each other that require to be monitored constantly and altered when any changes occur in conditions, strategies or goals.
4. Management is multidisciplinary:
Management involves various disciplines such as sociology, economics, technology and psychology. The knowledge from these fields have been involved in theories and practice of management to ensure the maximization of decision-making and problem-solving in possible actions. For example, managers learn and understand the human behaviours through theories of motivation that come from psychology discipline. But also through principles of economy managers can understand proper allocation of resources in an organization.
5. Management is adaptable to changes:
Another feature of management is adaptability. Management can adapt to changes that may happen in external or internal business environment. An effective manager studies the business environment and makes some adjustments if necessary so as to remain competitive.
6. Management is ethical:
Management also maintains ethics to reach the set objectives of an organization. Managers ensure that the company acts in accordance with the legal, social, and moral expectations. For example, fair workers treatment, compliance with rules and environmental-friendly practices that do not harm the business environment.
7. Management is a group activity:
Management involves coordination of people's efforts toward achievement of the shared goals and objectives within a company. Managers are responsible to facilitate the efforts and encourage teamwork among employees or departments in an organization so as to attain the organizational goals. Teamwork, delegation, and communication are also some of the vital aspects of group activity in management since they enable coordination of effort in achieving common goals.
8. Management is people-centric:
Management is internally people-centered. The crucial company's asset is its workers, and managers are doing the best to exploit the workers potential. Management is about to motivate, lead, and communicate with workers to realize the desired performance.
9. Management is multifaceted:
Management is a varied activity as it involves different tasks to perform. The managers perform different kind of activities from planning and decision-making to problem-solving and conflict resolution. Sometimes managers are about to perform any other activity in an organization like managing the workforce, financial planning or product development. Therefore, the scope of management is too wide in terms of its roles and responsibilities.
You can also read:
- 3 management skills for managers
- 10 Management Styles For Effective Leadership (Pros, Cons, When to use them) And Factors Influencing Management Styles
