Quite often leading and managing are considered as synonymous terms. Both require several qualities or traits and both are processes involving interpersonal relations. Both involve setting goals and mobilizing resources. They are complementary qualities inexorably linked to each other, and any attempt to extricate one from the other is impossible. What is the difference between management and leadership? It is a question that has been asked more than once and also answered in different ways. “There is a profound difference between management and leadership, and both are important. To manage means to bring about, to accomplish, to have charge of or responsibility for, to conduct. Leading is influencing, guiding in a direction, course, action, opinion. The distinction is crucial” — Quote from “On Becoming a Leader” by Warren Bennis Some people think of the words Manager and Leader and think they are the same. The two are related, but the Continue reading
Management Basics
Concept of Performance Standards in Management
Standards of Performance A standard is a criterion against which performance and results of the individuals is measured or judged. Standard should be based on scientific analysis and should not be subjective in nature. It should possess the following characteristics: Standard should be capable of achievement with reasonable amount of effort and time. Standards should concentrate at results and not the procedures. Standards should not be rigid hey should be capable of being changed whenever the need arises. As far as possible standard should be expressed in quantitative terms and should be based on the result of were measurement carried with the help of time and motion studies. Standards should be consistent with the overall organization objectives. Types of Standards of Performance Standards may be expressed in physical terms or monetary terms. Physical standards are generally, applied at the operative levels where the quantity and quality of production is to Continue reading
Organization Structure – Definition, Determinants, Importance and Types
An organization structure is a set of planned relationships between groups of related functions and between physical factors and personnel required for the performance of the functions. The organization structure is generally shown on the organisation chart. It shows authority and responsibility between various positions in the enterprises by showing who reports to whom. Organization structure lays down the pattern of communication and coordination in the enterprises. Though organization structure is very important, it is not an end in itself. According to Peter F. Drucker, “Organisation is not an end itself, but a means to end of business performances and business results. Organization structure is an indispensable means; and the wrong structure will seriously impair business performance and may even destroy it. Organization structure must be designed so as to make possible the attainment of the objectives of the business for five, ten, fifteen years hence.” Organizing Function of Management Continue reading
Systems Approach to Management
Systems approach to management developed after 1950. Many pioneers during as E.L Trist, AK Ria, F.E. Kast, and R.A Johnsm have made significant contributions to this approach. This systems approach looks upon the management as a ‘System’ of as an organized whole make up of sub-systems integrated into a unity or orderly totality. The attention should be given so overall effectiveness of the system rather than effectiveness of any sub-system if isolation. It took where management process school left off in attempting to unify management theory. It emphasizes the inter-relatedness and inter-dependence of all activities within an organisation. It is based on system analysis. It attempts to identify the nature of relationships of various parts of the system. A system is a set of inter-connected elements or component parts to achieve certain goals. An organisation is viewed by the modern authors as an open system. An organisation as a system Continue reading
Written Analysis of the Case Study Problems in Management
There is a little difference between the classroom discussion and written analysis of case problem. The following steps can guide the students to analyse the case problem and arrive at best possible solution. 1. Summary of the case: The important facts in the case are pointed out in brief. It is the indication that the student has grasped the contents of the case precisely. 2. Identify the problem involved in the case: After giving a careful reading to the case, see certain apparent problems in the situation. Some are very prominent and most immediate. Whereas some may be partially indicated. The student has to mention the basic problem interwoven in the case, e.g. a case may indicate failure in delegation due to too much interference of the boss; another case may indicate the need for taking appropriate disciplinary action to set things right with regard to labor management Continue reading
Decentralization – Meaning, Advantages and Disadvantages
Meaning of Decentralization Delegation of authority and duties is usually referred to as decentralization in which set up the organization is divided into different section and departments in order to help the organization grow scientifically and with a purpose of direction leading to harmony in relations and healthy atmosphere which generally is absent in centralized system of organization. Decentralization of authority, holds Koontz and O’Donnell, “is a fundamental phase of delegation.” To the extent that authority is not delegated is obviously centralization. In the words of Henry Fayol, “every thing that goes to increase the importance of the subordinate’s role is decentralization.” Decentralization is diffusion of authority. It is a process by which specific responsibility is assigned to subordinates. Such a responsibility, when assigned to subordinates, is always followed by sufficient authority which also is given to the executive and other subordinates at lower levels. Decentralization, therefore, refers to assigning Continue reading