Chapter 1
Analyze the role and core functions of a manager in achieving organisational
goals.
Managers play a central role in ensuring that an organization achieves its goals effectively
and efficiently. They act as a bridge between the higher authority who set objectives and
the employees who carry out the work. By coordinating resources, motivating staff, and
maintaining discipline, managers ensure that the organisation stays on the right track.
Without strong management, even well-designed plans can fail.
Core functions of a manager include:
- Planning: Managers set both short-term and long-term objectives. They forecast future
needs, analyze alternatives, and decide what actions are required. For example, a sales
manager may set monthly sales targets for the team to ensure yearly revenue goals are
achieved.
- Organizing: Once plans are made, managers arrange resources like manpower, money,
and materials. This includes assigning tasks to employees and creating a clear chain of
authority. Proper organization avoids confusion and improves efficiency.
- Leading: Leadership involves motivating employees, resolving conflicts, and creating
team spirit. Managers inspire workers through communication, rewards, and personal
guidance. For instance, a project manager motivates the team with recognition and
encouragement to meet deadlines.
- Controlling: Managers regularly monitor progress and compare actual performance with
planned goals. If deviations are found, corrective measures are taken. For example, if
production is below target, the manager may arrange overtime or new equipment.
- Decision-making: Every manager has to take decisions daily—small or big. Choosing the
right alternative at the right time ensures success.
Conclusion: In summary, managers are responsible for guiding the organization toward its
goals. Their ability to plan, organize, lead, and control determines the overall success and
growth of the organization.
What is management? Who are the managers?
Management can be defined as the art and science of getting things done through people
by planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources. It ensures that human efforts
and other resources are used in the best possible way to achieve organizational
objectives. A key feature of management is that it is both goal-oriented and continuous— it
works for achieving objectives and operates at all levels of an organization.
Who are managers?
Managers are individuals who carry out the function of management. They are responsible
for making decisions, supervising employees, and ensuring that resources are used
properly. A manager’s role is not only limited to giving orders but also to motivating,
guiding, and solving problems faced by employees.
Levels of managers:
- Top-level managers: These include CEO, managing directors, or principals of institutions.
They decide long-term policies, strategies, and directions for the organization. Example: A
company CEO deciding to enter a new international market.
- Middle-level managers: These managers act as a link between top and lower levels.
Department heads, branch managers, or division officers fall in this category. They
implement the strategies designed by top managers. Example: A department head
distributing targets among team leaders.
- Lower-level managers: These include supervisors, foremen, or shift leaders. They
directly control the workers and are responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations run
smoothly. Example: A shift supervisor in a factory ensuring all machines are running
properly.
Conclusion: Therefore, management is the process, and managers are the people who
practice it to achieve goals efficiently and effectively.
Describe the classification of management with real life examples.
Management can be classified into several categories depending on scope and area of
operation. This classification helps to understand how responsibilities are divided in an
organization and how each part contributes to the overall objectives.
Level-wise classification:
1. Top-level management: They set vision, mission, and long-term goals. They make
policies and decisions for the overall direction of the organization.
Example: The Vice Chancellor of a university decides to open new faculties or introduce
new academic programs.
2. Middle-level management: They translate policies into action. They coordinate between
top and lower levels. Their role is to ensure departmental activities are aligned with
organizational objectives.
Example: A head of department preparing timetables and allocating courses to teachers.
3. Lower-level management: Also known as supervisory management, they are directly
connected with workers and employees. They give instructions and supervise daily work.
Example: A factory supervisor checking the quality of products made by workers.
Functional classification:
- Human resource management: Deals with hiring, training, and motivating employees.
Example: HR department arranging workshops for staff development.
- Financial management: Focuses on budgeting, accounting, and managing funds.
Example: Finance manager preparing annual budgets.
- Marketing management: Promotes and sells products. Example: Marketing manager
running advertising campaigns.
- Production management: Ensures goods are produced in required quantity and quality.
Example: Production manager planning shifts in a factory.
Conclusion: Thus, management can be classified both by level and by function, and
real-life examples show how each type is essential for the smooth functioning of any
organization.
