Unit I Overview of Management
Unit I Overview of Management
OVERVIEW OF MANAGEMENT
DEFINITION
According to Harold Koontz, Management is an art of getting things done through and with the
people in formally organized groups. It is an art of creating an environment in which people can
perform and individuals and can co-operate towards attainment of group goals.
LEVELS OF MANAGEMENT
The three levels of management are as follows
1. The Top Management
It consists of board of directors, chief executive or managing director. The top
management is the ultimate source of authority and it manages goals and policies for an
enterprise. It devotes more time on planning and coordinating functions.
The role of the top management can be summarized as follows
a. Top management lays down the objectives and broad policies of the enterprise.
b. It issues necessary instructions for preparation of department budgets,
procedures, schedules etc.
c. It prepares strategic plans & policies for the enterprise.
d. It appoints the executive for middle level i.e. departmental managers.
e. It controls & coordinates the activities of all the departments.
f. It is also responsible for maintaining a contact with the outside world.
g. It provides guidance and direction.
h. The top management is also responsible towards the shareholders for the
performance of the enterprise.
FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT
Management has been described as a social process involving responsibility for economical
and effective planning & regulation of operation of an enterprise in the fulfillment of given
purposes. It is a dynamic process consisting of various elements and activities. These activities
are different from operative functions like marketing, finance, purchase etc. Rather these
activities are common to each and every manger irrespective of his level or status.
Different experts have classified functions of management. According to George & Jerry, There
are four fundamental functions of management i.e. planning, organizing, actuating and
controlling. According to Henry Fayol, To manage is to forecast and plan, to organize, to
command, & to control. Whereas Luther Gullick has given a keyword POSDCORB where P
stands for Planning, O for Organizing, S for Staffing, D for Directing, Co for Co-ordination, R for
reporting & B for Budgeting. But the most widely accepted are functions of management given
by KOONTZ and ODONNEL i.e. Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing and Controlling.
For theoretical purposes, it may be convenient to separate the function of management but
practically these functions are overlapping in nature i.e. they are highly inseparable. Each
function blends into the other & each affects the performance of others.
1. Planning
It is the basic function of management. It deals with chalking out a future course of
action & deciding in advance the most appropriate course of actions for achievement of
pre-determined goals. According to KOONTZ, Planning is deciding in advance what to
do, when to do & how to do. It bridges the gap from where we are & where we want to
be. A plan is a future course of actions. It is an exercise in problem solving & decision
making. Planning is determination of courses of action to achieve desired goals. Thus,
planning is a systematic thinking about ways & means for accomplishment of pre-
determined goals. Planning is necessary to ensure proper utilization of human & non-
human resources. It is all pervasive, it is an intellectual activity and it also helps in
avoiding confusion, uncertainties, risks, wastages etc.
2. Organizing
It is the process of bringing together physical, financial and human resources and
developing productive relationship amongst them for achievement of organizational
goals. According to Henry Fayol, To organize a business is to provide it with everything
useful or its functioning i.e. raw material, tools, capital and personnels. To organize a
business involves determining & providing human and non-human resources to the
organizational structure. Organizing as a process involves:
Identification of activities.
Classification of grouping of activities.
Assignment of duties.
Delegation of authority and creation of responsibility.
Coordinating authority and responsibility relationships.
3. Staffing
It is the function of manning the organization structure and keeping it manned. Staffing
has assumed greater importance in the recent years due to advancement of technology,
increase in size of business, complexity of human behavior etc. The main purpose o
staffing is to put right man on right job i.e. square pegs in square holes and round pegs
in round holes. According to Kootz & ODonell, Managerial function of staffing involves
manning the organization structure through proper and effective selection, appraisal &
development of personnel to fill the roles designed un the structure. Staffing involves:
Manpower Planning (estimating man power in terms of searching, choose the
person and giving the right place).
Recruitment, selection & placement.
Training & development.
Remuneration.
Performance appraisal.
Promotions & transfer.
4. Directing
It is that part of managerial function which actuates the organizational methods to work
efficiently for achievement of organizational purposes. It is considered life-spark of the
enterprise which sets it in motion the action of people because planning, organizing and
staffing are the mere preparations for doing the work. Direction is that inert-personnel
aspect of management which deals directly with influencing, guiding, supervising,
motivating sub-ordinate for the achievement of organizational goals. Direction has
following elements:
Supervision
Motivation
Leadership
Communication
(i) Supervision- implies overseeing the work of subordinates by their superiors. It is the
act of watching & directing work & workers.
(ii) Motivation- means inspiring, stimulating or encouraging the sub-ordinates with zeal
to work. Positive, negative, monetary, non-monetary incentives may be used for this
purpose.
(iii) Leadership- may be defined as a process by which manager guides and influences
the work of subordinates in desired direction.
(iv) Communications- is the process of passing information, experience, opinion etc
from one person to another. It is a bridge of understanding.
5. Controlling
It implies measurement of accomplishment against the standards and correction of
deviation if any to ensure achievement of organizational goals. The purpose of
controlling is to ensure that everything occurs in conformities with the standards. An
efficient system of control helps to predict deviations before they actually occur.
According to Theo Haimann, Controlling is the process of checking whether or not
proper progress is being made towards the objectives and goals and acting if necessary,
to correct any deviation. According to Koontz & ODonell Controlling is the
measurement & correction of performance activities of subordinates in order to make
sure that the enterprise objectives and plans desired to obtain them as being
accomplished. Therefore controlling has following steps:
(i) Establishment of standard performance.
(ii) Measurement of actual performance.
(iii) Comparison of actual performance with the standards and finding out deviation if
any.
(iv) Corrective action.
ROLES OF MANAGER
Henry Mintzberg identified ten different roles, separated into three categories. The categories he
defined are as follows
a) Interpersonal Roles
The ones that, like the name suggests, involve people and other ceremonial duties. It can be
further classified as follows
Leader Responsible for staffing, training, and associated duties.
Figurehead The symbolic head of the organization.
Liaison Maintains the communication between all contacts and informers that compose
the organizational network.
b) Informational Roles
Related to collecting, receiving, and disseminating information.
Monitor Personally seek and receive information, to be able to understand the
organization.
Disseminator Transmits all import information received from outsiders to the members
of the organization.
Spokesperson On the contrary to the above role, here the manager transmits the
organizations plans, policies and actions to outsiders.
c) Decisional Roles
Roles that revolve around making choices.
Entrepreneur Seeks opportunities. Basically they search for change, respond to it, and
exploit it.
Negotiator Represents the organization at major negotiations.
Resource Allocator Makes or approves all significant decisions related to the allocation
of resources.
Disturbance Handler Responsible for corrective action when the organization faces
disturbances.
d) SYSTEMS APPROACH:
The simplified block diagram of the systems approach is given below.
MANAGEMENT
Beginning Dates Emphasis
APPROACHS
CLASSICAL APPROACH
BEHAVIORAL APPROACH
Human
1930s workers' attitudes are associated with productivity
Relations
Management
Science Uses mathematical and statistical approaches to
1940s
(Operation solve management problems.
research)
Production This approach focuses on the operation and
and Operations 1940s control of the production process that transforms
Management resources into finished goods and services
RECENT DEVELOPEMENTS
Elements of Scientific Management: The techniques which Taylor regarded as its essential
elements or features may be classified as under:
1. Scientific Task and Rate-setting, work improvement, etc.
2. Planning the Task.
3. Vocational Selection and Training
4. Standardization (of working conditions, material equipment etc.)
5. Specialization
6. Mental Revolution.
1. Scientific Task and Rate-Setting (work study): Work study may be defined as the
systematic, objective and critical examination of all the factors governing the operational
efficiency of any specified activity in order to effect improvement.
Work study includes.
(a) Methods Study: The management should try to ensure that the plant is laid out in the best
manner and is equipped with the best tools and machinery. The possibilities of eliminating or
combining certain operations may be studied.
(b) Motion Study: It is a study of the movement, of an operator (or even of a
machine) in performing an operation with the purpose of eliminating useless motions.
(c) Time Study (work measurement): The basic purpose of time study is to determine the
proper time for performing the operation. Such study may be conducted after the motion study.
Both time study and motion study help in determining the best method of doing a job and the
standard time allowed for it.
(d) Fatigue Study: If, a standard task is set without providing for measures to eliminate fatigue,
it may either be beyond the workers or the workers may over strain themselves to attain it. It is
necessary, therefore, to regulate the working hours and provide for rest pauses at scientifically
determined intervals.
(e) Rate-setting: Taylor recommended the differential piece wage system, under which workers
performing the standard task within prescribed time are paid a much higher rate per unit than
inefficient workers who are not able to come up to the standard set.
2. Planning the Task: Having set the task which an average worker must strive to perform to
get wages at the higher piece-rate, necessary steps have to be taken to plan the production
thoroughly so that there is no bottlenecks and the work goes on systematically.
3. Selection and Training: Scientific Management requires a radical change in the methods
and procedures of selecting workers. It is therefore necessary to entrust the task of selection to
a central personnel department. The procedure of selection will also have to be systematised.
Proper attention has also to be devoted to the training of the workers in the correct methods of
work.
4. Standardization: Standardization may be introduced in respect of the following.
(a) Tools and equipment: By standardization is meant the process of bringing about uniformity.
The management must select and store standard tools and implements which will be nearly the
best or the best of their kind.
(b) Speed: There is usually an optimum speed for every machine. If it is exceeded, it is likely to
result in damage to machinery.
(c) Conditions of Work: To attain standard performance, the maintenance of standard
conditions of ventilation, heating, cooling, humidity, floor space, safety etc., is very essential.
(d) Materials: The efficiency of a worker depends on the quality of materials and the method of
handling materials.
5. Specialization: Scientific management will not be complete without the introduction of
specialization. Under this plan, the two functions of 'planning' and 'doing' are separated in the
organization of the plant. The `functional foremen' are specialists who join their heads to give
thought to the planning of the performance of operations in the workshop. Taylor suggested
eight functional foremen under his scheme of functional foremanship.
(a) The Route Clerk: To lay down the sequence of operations and instruct the workers
concerned about it.
(b) The Instruction Card Clerk: To prepare detailed instructions regarding different aspects of
work.
(c) The Time and Cost Clerk: To send all information relating to their pay to the workers and to
secure proper returns of work from them.
(d) The Shop Disciplinarian: To deal with cases of breach of discipline and absenteeism.
(e) The Gang Boss: To assemble and set up tools and machines and to teach the workers to
make all their personal motions in the quickest and best way.
(f) The Speed Boss: To ensure that machines are run at their best speeds and proper tools are
used by the workers.
(g) The Repair Boss: To ensure that each worker keeps his machine in good order and
maintains cleanliness around him and his machines.
(h) The Inspector: To show to the worker how to do the work.
6. Mental Revolution: At present, industry is divided into two groups management and
labour. The major problem between these two groups is the division of surplus. The
management wants the maximum possible share of the surplus as profit; the workers want, as
large share in the form of wages. Taylor has in mind the enormous gain that arises from higher
productivity. Such gains can be shared both by the management and workers in the form of
increased profits and increased wages.
a) Sole Proprietorships
The vast majority of small business starts out as sole proprietorships . . . very dangerous. These
firms are owned by one person, usually the individual who has day-to-day responsibility for
running the business. Sole proprietors own all the assets of the business and the profits
generated by it. They also assume "complete personal" responsibility for all of its liabilities or
debts. In the eyes of the law, you are one in the same with the business.
Merits:
Easiest and least expensive form of ownership to organize.
Sole proprietors are in complete control, within the law, to make all decisions.
Sole proprietors receive all income generated by the business to keep or reinvest.
Profits from the business flow-through directly to the owner's personal tax return.
The business is easy to dissolve, if desired.
Demerits:
Unlimited liability and are legally responsible for all debts against the business.
Their business and personal assets are 100% at risk.
Has almost been ability to raise investment funds.
Are limited to using funds from personal savings or consumer loans.
Have a hard time attracting high-caliber employees, or those that are motivated by the
opportunity to own a part of the business.
Employee benefits such as owner's medical insurance premiums are not directly deductible
from business income (partially deductible as an adjustment to income).
b) Partnerships
In a Partnership, two or more people share ownership of a single business. Like proprietorships,
the law does not distinguish between the business and its owners. The Partners should have a
legal agreement that sets forth how decisions will be made, profits will be shared, disputes will
be resolved, how future partners will be admitted to the partnership, how partners can be bought
out, or what steps will be taken to dissolve the partnership when needed. Yes, its hard to think
about a "break-up" when the business is just getting started, but many partnerships split up at
crisis times and unless there is a defined process, there will be even greater problems. They
also must decide up front how much time and capital each will contribute, etc.
Merits:
Partnerships are relatively easy to establish; however time should be invested in developing
the partnership agreement.
With more than one owner, the ability to raise funds may be increased.
The profits from the business flow directly through to the partners' personal taxes.
Prospective employees may be attracted to the business if given the incentive to become a
partner.
Demerits:
Partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners.
Profits must be shared with others.
Since decisions are shared, disagreements can occur.
Some employee benefits are not deductible from business income on tax returns.
The partnerships have a limited life; it may end upon a partner withdrawal or death.
c) Corporations
A corporation, chartered by the state in which it is headquartered, is considered by law to be a
unique "entity", separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation can be taxed; it can be
sued; it can enter into contractual agreements. The owners of a corporation are its
shareholders. The shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee the major policies and
decisions. The corporation has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes.
Merits:
Shareholders have limited liability for the corporation's debts or judgments against the
corporations.
Generally, shareholders can only be held accountable for their investment in stock of the
company. (Note however, that officers can be held personally liable for their actions, such as
the failure to withhold and pay employment taxes.)
Corporations can raise additional funds through the sale of stock.
A corporation may deduct the cost of benefits it provides to officers and employees.
Can elect S corporation status if certain requirements are met. This election enables
company to be taxed similar to a partnership.
Demerits:
The process of incorporation requires more time and money than other forms of
organization.
Corporations are monitored by federal, state and some local agencies, and as a result may
have more paperwork to comply with regulations.
Incorporating may result in higher overall taxes. Dividends paid to shareholders are not
deductible form business income, thus this income can be taxed twice.
f) Government Companies:
A state enterprise can also be organized in the form of a Joint stock company; A government
company is any company in which of the share capital is held by the central government or
partly by central government & party by one to more state governments. It is managed b the
elected board of directors which may include private individuals. These are accountable for its
working to the concerned ministry or department & its annual report is required to be placed
ever year on the table of the parliament or state legislatures along with the comments of the
government to concerned department.
Merits:
It is easy to form.
The directors of a government company are free to take decisions & are not bound by
certain rigid rules & regulations.
Demerits:
Misuse of excessive freedom cannot be ruled out.
The directors are appointed by the government so they spend more time in pleasing their
political masters & top government officials, which results in inefficient management.
ii) Suppliers
An individual or an organization involved in the process of making a product or service available
for use or consumption by a consumer or business user is known as supplier. Increase in raw
material prices will have a knock on affect on the marketing mix strategy of an organization.
Prices may be forced up as a result. A closer supplier relationship is one way of ensuring
competitive and quality products for an organization.
iii) Distributors
Entity that buys non-competing products or product-lines, warehouses them, and resells them
to retailers or direct to the end users or customers is known as distributor. Most distributors
provide strong manpower and cash support to the supplier or manufacturer's promotional
efforts. They usually also provide a range of services (such as product information, estimates,
technical support, after-sales services, credit) to their customers. Often getting products to the
end customers can be a major issue for firms. The distributors used will determine the final price
of the product and how it is presented to the end customer. When selling via retailers, for
example, the retailer has control over where the products are displayed, how they are priced
and how much they are promoted in-store. You can also gain a competitive advantage by using
changing distribution channels.
iv) Customers
A person, company, or other entity which buys goods and services produced by another person,
company, or other entity is known as customer. Organizations survive on the basis of meeting
the needs, wants and providing benefits for their customers. Failure to do so will result in a
failed business strategy.
v) Competitors
A company in the same industry or a similar industry which offers a similar product or service is
known as competitor. The presence of one or more competitors can reduce the prices of goods
and services as the companies attempt to gain a larger market share. Competition also requires
companies to become more efficient in order to reduce costs. Fast-food restaurants McDonald's
and Burger King are competitors, as are Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and Wal-Mart and Target.
vi) Media
Positive or adverse media attention on an organisations product or service can in some cases
make or break an organisation.. Consumer programmes with a wider and more direct audience
can also have a very powerful and positive impact, hforcing organisations to change their
tactics.
b) MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
An organization's macro environment consists of nonspecific aspects in the organization's
surroundings that have the potential to affect the organization's strategies. When compared to a
firm's task environment, the impact of macro environmental variables is less direct and the
organization has a more limited impact on these elements of the environment.
The macro environment consists of forces that originate outside of an organization and
generally cannot be altered by actions of the organization. In other words, a firm may be
influenced by changes within this element of its environment, but cannot itself influence the
environment. The curved lines in Figure 1 indicate the indirect influence of the environment on
the organization.
Macro environment includes political, economic, social and technological factors. A firm
considers these as part of its environmental scanning to better understand the threats and
opportunities created by the variables and how strategic plans need to be adjusted so the firm
can obtain and retain competitive advantage.
i) Political Factors
Political factors include government regulations and legal issues and define both formal and
informal rules under which the firm must operate. Some examples include:
tax policy
employment laws
environmental regulations
trade restrictions and tariffs
political stability
Globalisation means the internationalization of trade. Particularly product transaction and the
integrating of economic and capital markets throughout the world. The integration takes place
when trade exists freely among the different countries, thus the world economy becomes a
single market or single economy. In globalization there is no restriction of quota, license, tariff
and other administrative barrier for trade.
Benefits of Globalisation
1.Improves efficiency
2.Improves factor
3.Improves finance
4.Gains from Migrations
Drawbacks of Globalisation
1.Globalisation increases the proble
ms of unemployment
2.Domestic Industries finds difficulty in survival.
3.Only group of people who participate in the process of
Globalization will be benefited, this creates income inequality
within the country
4.Control on domestic economy becomes more difficult
5.Developing country suffers from the problem of brain
-drain
International Management:
Doing international business through an arrangement that does not involve any investments.
Globalization in India:
Some major aspects of the policy of globalization in India are:
i)Liberalisation of imports:
Most imports has been put under open general licence (OGL) where automatic permission is
granted to import goods.Export oriented units (EOUs) have been allowed to import freely all
types of goods require by the unit for
manufacturing, production or processing. The Government in its trade policy announced on 31
August 2004 has permitted import of second hand capital goods without any age restrictions.
Tariff structure refers to the pattern of custom duties levied on the imports of various commodity
groups. The government initiated the process of tariff reduction in 1991, to bring our tariff rates
in line with the other developing countries: making Indian goods competitive in the world market.
High quality and low cost goods can offer competition in the world market and improve Indias
exports.