Discuss the Characteristics of Management

Management is a distinct activity having the following salient features:

1. Economic Resource:

Management is one of the factors of production together with land, labor and capital. As industrialization increases, the need for managers also increases. Efficient management is the most critical input in the success of any organized group activity as it is the force which assembles and integrates other factors of production.

2. Goal Oriented:

Management is a purposeful activity. It coordinates the efforts of workers to achieve the goals of the organization. The success of management is measured by the extent to which the organizational goals are achieved.

3. Distinct Process:

Management is a distinct process consisting of such functions as planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. These functions are so interwoven that it is not possible to lay down exactly the sequence of various functions or their relative significance.

4. Integrative Force:

The essence of management is integration of human and other resources to achieve the desired objectives. All these resources are made available to those who manage. Managers apply knowledge, experience and management principles for getting the results from the workers by the use of non-human resources.

5. System of Authority:

Management as a team of managers represents a system of authority, a hierarchy of command and control. Managers at different levels possess varying degree of authority.

6. Multi-disciplinary Subject:

Management has grown as a field of study (i.e. discipline) taking the help of so many other disciplines such as engineering, anthropology, sociology and psychology. Much of the management literature is the result of the association of these disciplines.

7. Universal Application:

Management is universal in character. The principles and techniques of management are equally applicable in the fields of business, education, military, government and hospital. Henri Fayol suggested that principles of management would apply more or less in every situation.