Interrelationship Between Management Functions

CONCEPT OF MANAGEMENT

     The term ‘management’ has been defined differently by different authors. Traditional authors defined it as an art of getting things done, whereas modern authors define it as a process of accomplishing certain objectives through the utilization of human and other resources. 

Traditional Definition.

Art of Getting Things Done

“Management is the art of getting things done through people.”

-Mary Parker Follett

“Management consists of getting things done through others. A manager is one who accomplishes organizational objectives by directing the efforts of others.”

-C.S. George

     Traditionally, management is defined as an art of getting things done through others. The person who directs the efforts of others is known as ‘Manager’. He accomplishes the goals of the organization through and with the help of operative employees.

   The traditional viewpoints about management is considered inappropriate in the present-day environment where workers are educated and have higher level of aspirations. It has been criticized on the following grounds:

1. It does not give the functions which a manager has to perform to get results from others.
2. It gives the impression of the manipulative character of the practice of management.
3. The employees are merely treated as means for getting results. In other words, their positions is like a cog in the wheel.
4. The needs of the workers have been ignored. The workers are supposed to work like machines.

Modern Definition

    Modern management writers consider management much more than getting things done through others. Managing involves creating a conducive environment in the organization whereby individuals are motivated to work efficiently for the achievement of organizational objectives. To quote Harold Koontz and Writing, “Management is the creation and maintenance of an internal environment is an enterprise where individuals, working in groups, can perform efficiently and effectively towards the attainment of group goals.”

Management is the process of getting things done with the aim of achieving organizational objectives effectively and efficiently. The basic elements of this definition are discussed below:

1. Process. The term process in the definition means the primary functions or activities that management performs to get things done. These functions are planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.
2. Effectiveness. Being effective or doing work effectively means finishing the given tasks. Effectiveness in management is concerned with doing the right things completing activities and achieving goals. In other words, it is concerned with the end result.
3. Efficiency. It means optimum utilization of resources in performing the given task. It signifies the relationship between inputs and outputs. Efficiency would be greater if less inputs are used to produce the required amount of goods or if more goods are produced with the given input.
4. Organizational Objectives. The modern concept of management insists that all the activities of managers must be directed towards the achievement of organisational goals, these goals should be considered as common goals of all employees.

Effectiveness vs. Efficiency.  These two terms are different, but they are interrelated. For management, it is important to be both effective and efficient. Effectiveness and efficiency are two sides of the same coin. But these two aspects need to be balanced and management at times, has to compromise with efficiency. For example, it is easier to be effective and ignore efficiency, i.e., complete the given task but at a high cost.