Management is defined as the process of getting the work done in order to achieve the goals of an organisation in an efficient and effective manner. Here, process refers to the various functions of management. These are planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. Effectiveness implies completing the given task promptly, while efficiency refers to the successful completion of a task with the minimum possible costs.
The following are the various features of management:
i. All-pervasive: ‘Pervasive’ implies practised and followed by one and all. Management is practised and needed by all organisations, irrespective of their geographical location, size or area of specialisation.
ii. Goal-oriented: Management consolidates the efforts of various individuals in an organisation to achieve the common goals.
iii. Continuous: Various functions of management (such as planning, organising, directing, staffing and controlling) are performed simultaneously and continuously by managers at all levels.
iv. Dynamic: Every organisation operates in a dynamic environment. Factors such as government policies, competitors’ policies, consumers’ tastes and preferences vary widely. Such factors are collectively termed external forces. Thus, management must aim at adapting to various changes in these external forces in order to pursue the organisation’s goals.
v. Multidimensional: Management involves multiple dimensions such as managing the work, managing people and operations, etc.
vi. Intangible: ‘Intangible’ refers to something that ‘cannot be seen or touched’. Management as a process cannot be seen but its presence can be felt by witnessing the success of an organisation. For instance, a high degree of harmony and orderliness in an organisation confirms the effectiveness of its management.