Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources—such as people, finances, and materials—to achieve specific organizational goals efficiently and effectively
. It involves coordinating tasks and directing efforts to ensure that objectives are met, whether in businesses, nonprofits, or government bodies
. Management typically operates at three hierarchical levels:
- Senior management (e.g., CEOs, board of directors) sets strategic goals and policies for the entire organization
- Middle management (e.g., department or branch managers) translates senior management’s strategies into operational plans and supervises lower levels
- Line management (e.g., supervisors, team leaders) oversees day-to-day work and directly manages employees or volunteers
Key functions of management include:
- Planning: Deciding in advance what needs to be done and how to achieve it
- Organizing: Arranging resources and tasks to implement the plan effectively
- Leading (or directing): Motivating and guiding people to perform their tasks
- Controlling: Monitoring progress and making adjustments to stay on track with goals
Management is both an art and a science, involving human interaction, decision-making, and the use of resources to accomplish objectives
. Effective management is essential for organizational success, ensuring smooth operations, problem-solving, and alignment with the company’s vision
. In summary, management is the coordinated effort to achieve organizational goals by efficiently using resources and guiding people through planning, organizing, leading, and controlling activities
