Introduction to management

Module 1

Concept of management
1. Management as a discipline 2. Management as a group of people 3. Management as a process

1. Management as a discipline
Discipline refers to a field of study having well defined concepts and principals. When we include it in the various relevant concepts and principals the knowledge of which aids in managing. From this point of view management can be treated as a science as well as art.

2. Management as group of people

Sometimes we refer to management as group of people in which we include all those personnel who perform managerial functions in organization. We refer to two distinct classes in management , we include all those persons who are responsible for managerial functions and second category we include non managerial personnel.

3. Management as a process
A process can simply be systematic method of handling activities. Management as a process is dynamic, continuous and flexible in nature. Management is a process of getting things done through the efforts of others. Examples-

Definitions of management
According to koontz Management is the art of getting things done through and with people in formally organized groups According to Lawrence and Appley Management is accomplishment of results through the efforts of other people

Definitions of Management
Management is more relevant if defined based on the functions it performs Management is a process involving planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling human efforts to achieve stated objectives in an organization.

Features of Management
1. Organized activities Without organized activities two groups people cannot be involved in the performance of activities. Where a group of activities are involved in working towards a common objective management comes in to existence 2. Existence of objectives-A Set of objectives should exist towards which the organized group activities would lead to.

3. Relationship among sources Resources include money machine material and people. resources are made available to those who manage. They apply principles, knowledge , experience for getting the desired result. 4. Working with and through people Management involves working with people and getting organizational objectives achieved through them. The idea of working through people is interpreted in terms of assigning activities to subordinates.

5. Decision making Decision making basically involves selectingthe most appropriate alternative out of several. - if there is only one alternative the question of decision making does not arise.

Nature of Management