Every organisation contains two key terms: management and administration.
Many people feel they are similar terms with the same definition; however, they are not similar terms and have different roles in the proper management of the organisation or business. The difference between management and administration has assisted many students and employees in being better and communicating with each other effectively in a proper manner; therefore, in this blog, we clarify its definition in the simplest way.
What is Management?
Management is defined as the art of accomplishing work through people. Management emphasises the efficient execution of plans, which helps in the achievement of goals. Managers help in guiding the workforce, observing operations at work, and ensuring that work gets done within a specified timeframe. Management basically relates to the work being done. Management is linked with planning, decision-making, organising, staffing, directing, coordinating, communicating, supervising, budgeting, and controlling the operations of an organisation. Management’s primary role is to convert a plan into reality with the help of manpower, money, or other resources. Management occurs at a low organisational level. Management mostly involves supervision. Additionally, management is used in solving problems and enhancing work performance. It promotes team spirit and enables a high degree of coordination among workers. Put simply, management is doing the job.
What is Administration?
Administration entails policy formulation and goal setting. Administration decides on what an organisation should do and how it should move in the future. Administration emphasises thinking and planning. Administration functions at the top organisational level. Administration comprises owners, directors, and top managers. Their task is conceptual, involving decision-making, not actual work. The administration takes care that there is proper usage of resources and discipline in the organisation. It gives direction and vision for further growth. It means that what should be achieved is decided by the administration.
What is the Difference Between Management and Administration
The key difference between administration and management regards the fact that whereas the term administration refers to planning policies, management pertains to their implementation. Decision-making makes up the domain of management, whereas the action part comes under management.
Roles of Management
Management is primarily concerned with the efficient day-to-day operation of the organisation. The management ensures that policies are properly implemented and work is done on time. It also links the organisational goals with employee performance and thus keeps the whole process going smoothly.
Implementing policies framed by administration
One of the main responsibilities of management is the application of the policies formulated by the administration. Managers communicate these policies to the staff, making sure these are applied correctly.
Managing day-to-day operations
Management is responsible for taking care of day-to-day activities in an organisation. Such activities may include production, sales, and providing customers with constructed services.
Supervising employees
Managers monitor the work of employees and help them when they are doing their work. Idoneous monitoring enables employees to work effectively and prevents them from making errors.
Motivating workforce
Motivating the workforce is another function of management. Motivation of workers is achieved through appreciation and encouragement by management. When workers are motivated, they perform well and remain committed to the business.
Roles of Administration
The main role of administration is to direct the organisation from above. It formulates policies, sets long-term objectives and makes top-level decisions. Administration is the supreme power to which management submits.
Policy formulation
The administration formulates policies and rules for the organisation. These policies govern the way activities should be carried out and the organisational values that should be followed. The management uses these policies when carrying out their daily activities.
Strategic planning
Administration plans for the future. It lays out long-term goals and strategies for their accomplishment. These aim at expansion, investment, or organisational transformation.
Long-term decision making
Decisions are taken by the administration that impact the business for several years. Such decisions carry risk. Examples of the above include mergers, new projects, or the entry of new markets.
Representing the organisation
Administrators are the representatives of the organisation in public, government, or legal capacities. They are essentially the face of the organisation, defending its interests.
Functions of Management
The functions of management are the activities that managers perform in order to get the organisation's goals. The core functions are planning, organising, staffing, directing, and controlling. When these functions are performed properly, the business will run smoothly and efficiently.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Planning | Planning refers to decision-making about the tasks that should be carried out and how they should be achieved. |
| Organising | Organising is the process of allocating tasks, personnel, and resources. The manager splits tasks among staff and develops departments to coordinate different functions effectively. |
| Staffing | Staffing involves hiring people for the appropriate job. Management will hire and develop employees so that the company has people with the required skills. |
| Directing | The functions of directing are guiding, leading, and motivating workers. Managers give orders for performing duties. |
| Controlling | Controlling assists in ensuring that work is carried out according to plan. Managers compare actual performance with planned goals and take corrective measures if there are irregularities. |
Functions of Administration
The functions of administration involve making policies, setting goals, and controlling strategies for the long term. Administration makes sure that the organisation is heading in the right direction by working with management and by measuring the overall performance.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Policy Formulation | Administration formulates policies that determine the operations of an organisation. Policies offer guidelines and consistency in decision-making. |
| Goal Setting | This is done by the administration of the business. The goals and objectives serve as a guideline for the management on what they should do. |
| Strategic Control | Strategic control allows for the monitoring of the success of long-term plans. The performance is checked by the administration, which makes adjustments as soon as they are needed. |
| Coordinating Management Activities | It helps to ensure that all the various departments are striving towards the same objectives. It coordinates various levels in management to prevent contradiction and confusion. |
FAQ’s on Difference Between Management and Administration
Is management a part of administration?
Of course, management is an aspect of administration. Administration has objectives, and management is responsible for their achievement.
What are the four functions of management?
The four primary functions in management are planning, organising, directing, and controlling.
What are various management roles?
Management functions include work planning, managing personnel, motivating personnel, and controlling day-to-day activities.
Can the roles of Management and Administration overlap?
Yes, in small organisations, there can be the same individual for both administrative and management functions.
What skill sets are more important for Management roles?
Such management positions call for communication skills, leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, and motivational abilities.
Conclusion
Management and administration are both required for the success of any organisation on all fronts. Administration involves thinking, planning, and deciding, whereas management involves actions, driving, and accomplishments. Management and administration difference understanding would help students get prepared for examinations and professionals function effectively. Despite their differences, these two require complementing each other. There would be a lack of direction without administration or a lack of action without management. When goals are clearly defined with proper policies by the administrative side, management can work with confidence and clarity. This is also true; effective management brings life to administrative plans through converting ideas into reality. Indeed, teamwork between administration and management is imperative for balance and success in modern organisations to create a strong, stable, successful organisation through their collaboration.
