Nature, Evolution, and Functions of Management

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, characteristics, evolution, functions, roles, and skills of management based on the lecture transcript.

Management (General Definition)

The act of bringing together work activities to achieve the organization's goals and objectives, fundamentally signifying teamwork.

Peter Drucker's Definition of Management

A multi-purpose organ that manages business managers and manages workers and work.

Mary Parker Follet's Definition of Management

The art of getting things done through people.

Harold Koontz's Definition of Management

An art of getting things done through and with the people in formally organized groups, creating an environment in which people can perform and individuals can cooperate towards attainment of group goals.

Goal-Oriented Management

A characteristic signifying that management is a means to achieve certain goals, with success measured by established goals.

Universal Management

A characteristic stating that management is essential for organized activities of any size or type.

Continuous Process

A characteristic of management that is ongoing and dynamic as long as there is organized action for group goals.

Multi-disciplinary

A characteristic of management where it draws principles from various fields, including engineering and psychology.

Intangible Force

A characteristic of management evidenced through results achieved by others.

Situational Management

A characteristic requiring the consideration of specific conditions for problem-solving.

System of Authority

A characteristic that creates a hierarchy of command to direct activities.

Management as a Science

Systematized knowledge applied based on principles.

Management as an Art

Practical application of knowledge to achieve desired results.

Pre-scientific Management Period

An evolution phase emerging during the Industrial Revolution where pioneers like Charles Babbage and James Watt introduced ideas to replace traditional management with scientific principles.

Charles Babbage and James Watt

Pioneers of the Pre-scientific Management Period who introduced new ideas to the field.

Classical Theory

A management theory founded by F.W. Taylor and Henry Fayol focusing on job content, division of labor, and scientific organization.

Neoclassical Theory (Behavioral Approach)

An extension of Classical Theory that focuses on individual and group relationships.

The Hawthorne Experiment

A study that found productivity depends on employee satisfaction.

Modern Theory

A management theory encompassing the Systems Approach (organizations as adaptive systems) and Contingency Theory (adjusting actions based on circumstances).

Systems Approach

A component of Modern Theory that views organizations as adaptive systems.

Contingency Theory

A component of Modern Theory that adjusts managerial actions based on specific circumstances.

Manager

A person who achieves objectives efficiently and effectively.

Planning

A management function involving decision-making today to affect the future.

Organizing

A management function that defines and coordinates work within a formal authority structure.

Staffing

A management function focused on hiring and retaining a suitable workforce.

Directing

A management function involving leadership, communication, and supervision.

Controlling

A management function that ensures performance aligns with plans.

Interpersonal Category

A managerial role category including Figurehead, Leader, and Liaison.

Informational Category

A managerial role category including Monitor, Disseminator, and Spokesperson.

Decisional Category

A managerial role category including Entrepreneur, Disturbance Handler, Resource Allocator, and Negotiator.

Figurehead

An interpersonal role involving the performance of ceremonial duties.

Leader

An interpersonal role managing team performance and responsibilities.

Liaison

An interpersonal role that networks internally and externally.

Monitor

An informational role seeking industry information and team productivity.

Disseminator

An informational role that shares useful information with the team.

Spokesperson

An informational role communicating organizational goals externally.

Entrepreneur

A decisional role implementing change and solving problems.

Disturbance Handler

A decisional role mediating disputes and addressing challenges.

Resource Allocator

A decisional role managing the application of resources.

Negotiator

A decisional role directing negotiations within the organization.

Technical Skills

Skills involving job-specific knowledge, most important for lower management.

Human Skills

Interpersonal abilities essential for all management levels.

Conceptual Skills

Skills required by top management to think abstractly and deal with complex situations.