Management has no generally acceptable definition; because different profession has different views about the subject management. However, there are some people who gave some definitions worth noting. One of such people is Mary Parker Follet, according to Follet, management is the act of getting things done through people. This definition put a clear deference between the manager and other personal or staff in the organisation. In other word, a manager is a person who contributes to the organisation’s goal indirectly by directing the efforts of others, not by performing the task by himself.
A person who is not a manager makes his contribution to the organisation’s goal directly by performing the task himself. Sometimes, an individual may play both roles simultaneously. For example, a sales manager plays managerial role by directing the sales force to meet the organisation’s goal and also play the non-managerial role by contacting an important customer, negotiating deal with him.
There are four basic functions of a management
- Planning: this is the act of thinking on the manager’s action in advance.
- Organizing: this simply means coordinating machines, materials and human resources of the organization.
- Actuating (Acting): this means directing and motivating subordinates.
- Controlling: this means that the managers must ensure that there is no deviation from plan. It is also the process of checking to determine whether or not proper progress is being made towards the organisation’s goals and objectives.
It is important to note that management is the process by which organizational objectives are achieved through proper human coordination. That is why you must do all within your strength to be a good manager, because the manager is the one who manages the organization resources and poor resources management will lead to poor business growth.
Whether you are a small, medium or large business; you must try to make sure that your employee are happy with you as a manager else they will not work in accordance with you.