The management process is usually defined as how an organization coordinates and organizes the activities of its staff to achieve specific organizational goals. The main goals of this process are to enhance employee productivity, improve employee retention, improve the company’s reputation, and increase employee motivation. This includes communication, setting goals, monitoring performance, reviewing performance, allocation of resources, rewards and recognition, and feedback. The various types of management include financial, operational, management information systems, human resource management, marketing management, product management, customer management, and office design and administration.
In a broad sense, the management process can be seen as a set of managerial functions that are brought together in order to solve problems. Problems in the organizational structure can arise at any point of time. These problems may then be solved by applying one or more of the managerial functions. For instance, when there is a problem in the production process, the production manager initiates the problem analysis process by communicating with other employees, by producing a problem analysis report, by analyzing the causes of the problem, by making recommendations for improving the process, and finally by communicating with the customer. By doing so, the production manager helps solve the problem, communicates with the other stakeholders, analyzes the cause of the problem, creates suggestions for improvement, makes recommendations for future processes, and ultimately communicates with the customers to satisfy them.
These activities are collectively called the managerial function. This is an important aspect of organizing an organization since the best managers have the ability to coordinate all the functions, including the leadership, to achieve the organizational goals. It is important that people in leadership roles are aware of these principles so that they can perform their best in their jobs.
Some managers may disagree with this definition of the management process because they believe that there is too much communication involved and thus, they do not want to label it as “managing”. However, when you examine the function more closely, you will see that there are a number of similarities between it and organizing. For instance, all managers are involved in creating goals and identifying ways of meeting those goals, although they differ in the ways they define those goals.
Managers also engage in communicating with employees about their performance and any issues that they may come up with. They are also involved in motivating people, encouraging them to participate in team activities and events, communicating goals and objectives, instructing workers on the use of equipment and supplies, and leading by example. Communication among managers also occurs through informal and formal communication activities, such as meetings, discussions, conferences, teleconferences, and workshops. There is also what is called “soft” communication, such as providing regular feedback and tips to employees.
One of the biggest differences between organizing and managing is that the former relies mostly on structure while the latter relies mainly on people. Structured management process tends to lead to controlled and directed development, whereas management process tends to be spontaneous and more of an environment in which people guide themselves in making decisions and are free to make their own choices. This makes organizing a much better job, whereas management process tends to involve more creativity and free-riding on the part of employees.
Both are necessary, however each process requires a different set of skills and talents. Leaders need to be good communicators and organizers, whereas managers have to be good communicators and problem solvers. In order to take over an organized or managed company, the best candidates for the post are usually the ones who possess the skill sets required for both organizational and controlling the organization, thus the need for management consultants. In terms of communicating, managers are more likely to be successful at influencing people than they are at communicating and keeping people under control.
Therefore, it is up to the business owner to determine which management process best suits their particular needs. If they wish to organize, the best option is usually going to be project management processes, where in team effort is rewarded with high performance bonuses and recognition, whereas if they wish to be able to influence people they will naturally choose to organize, where decisions are made by people that actually do know what they are doing. Most companies find that both are necessary, however one tends to be much more effective and efficient when used in conjunction with each other. In any case, a good consultant or firm that is experienced in organizing and managing projects will have the expertise and the tools that they need to help you achieve your success.
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