Definitions [2]
Definition: Middle Level Managers
Middle-level managers are department heads who carry out the plans created by top management and make sure the everyday work in each department happens smoothly.
Definition: Profession
A profession may be defined as an occupation backed by specialized knowledge and training, and to which entry is regulated by a representative body and duly recognized by society.
Key Points
Key Points: Characteristics of Management
- Management is goal-oriented, directing all efforts towards achieving organisational objectives.
- It is universal (all pervasive) and is required in every type of organisation, regardless of size or sector.
- Management is multidimensional, involving the management of work, people and operations.
- It is a continuous process, with functions like planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling performed continuously.
- Management is a group activity that coordinates individual efforts to achieve common goals and promotes teamwork.
- Management is dynamic and intangible—it adapts to changing environments, and its effectiveness is seen through organisational success rather than being physically visible.
Key Points: Levels of Management
- Levels of management divide human resources into parts based on size and needs of the organisation.
- Management functions operate within a hierarchy of authority‑responsibility relationships.
- Three main levels: top, middle, and supervisory/operational.
- Top management sets goals, strategies, and ensures survival and welfare.
- Middle management connects top and lower levels and executes plans and policies.
- Supervisory management directly controls workers and ensures quality, low wastage, and safety.
Key Points: Management as an Art
- Art is the skillful application of knowledge to achieve desired results.
- Management requires personal skills, creativity and regular practice.
- Art is based on theoretical knowledge and personalised application.
- Managers apply management principles creatively according to different situations.
- Successful managers are distinguished by their effective application of management principles.
Key Points: Management as a Science
- Management uses organised, verifiable knowledge and principles, so it shows key features of science.
- Management and science share systematic knowledge, observation, cause–effect relationships, and universal principles.
- Management is a social and inexact science because it deals with human behaviour and qualitative outcomes.
- Management principles arise from experimentation, draw from many disciplines, and need situational modification.
- Management combines art (practice) and science (principles), and both work together for effective management.
Key Points: Management as a Profession
- Management is an emerging profession with a systematic body of knowledge.
- It provides formal education and training through management institutions.
- Managers develop expertise through education and practical experience.
- Management lacks compulsory qualifications, statutory regulation and mandatory association membership.
- Management is a combination of art, science and profession.
