Definitions of Management
Management is a process in which the organization’s activities are managed to ensure that the organization’s goals are met within the desired standards.
It is the basis of every organization.
Various management thinkers have defined the concept of management in many ways.
Here, we have made a list of the 25 most influential definitions of management by different management authors, thinkers, and scholars.
Let’s look at them.
1. According to Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915), – “Management is the art of knowing what you want to do and then seeing that you do it in the best and the cheapest way.“
2. According to George R. Terry (1909-1979), “Management is a distinct process consisting of planning, organizing, actuating and controlling, performed to determine and accomplish the stated objective by the use of human beings and other resources.”
3.) Definition of management According to Harold Koontz (1909-1984), – “Management is the art of getting things done through others and with formally organized groups.
It is the art of creating an environment in which people can perform and individuals can cooperate on the attainment of group goals.”
4. Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909-2005) “Management may be defined as the process by means of which the purpose and objectives of a particular human group are determined, clarified, and effectuated.
Management is a multipurpose organ that manages a business and manages, and the manager manages workers and work.
5. One popular definition of management by Mary Parker Follett (1868-1933). “Management is the art of getting things done through people.”
6. Henri Fayol (1841-1925) – “Management is to forecast, to plan, to organize, to command, to co-ordinate and control activities of others.”
7. Louis Allen‘s definition of management is one of the best, shortest, and sweetest. According to him “Management is what a manager does.”
8. “Management is the art of directing and inspiring people”. – J. D. Moony and A. C. Railey
9. Koontz O Donnel – Management is the art of getting things done through and with people in formally organized groups.
10. Harold Koontz & Heinz Weihrich – Management is the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together, in groups, efficiently accomplish selected aims.
11. George R. Terry & Stephen G. Franklin – Management is a distinct process consisting of activities of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling performed to determine and accomplish stated objectives with the use of human beings and other resources.
12. Ivancevich, Donnely, and Gibson – Management is the process undertaken by one or more persons to coordinate the activities of the persons to achieve results not attainable by any person acting alone.
13. SP Robbins, Mary Coulter, and Neharika Bohra – Management involves coordinating and overseeing the work activities of others so that their activities are completed effectively and efficiently.
14. Ricky W. Griffin – Management is a set of activities (including planning and decision-making, organizing, leading, and controlling) directed at organizational resources (human, financial, physical, and information) with the aim of achieving organizational goals in an efficient and effective manner.
15. According to Joseph Massie – “Management is defined as the process by which a cooperative group directs action towards common goals”.
16. Henry Mintzberg – Management is the practice of combining and coordinating resources (people, money, information, etc.) to achieve organizational objectives through interpersonal, informational, and decisional roles.
17. Peter Senge – Management is the capacity to cultivate a shared vision, foster systemic thinking, and empower teams to learn collectively and adapt to change.
Read More: Administrative Management
18. Daniel A. Wren – Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizational resources to accomplish goals in an efficient and effective manner.
19. William Newman – Management is guiding human and physical resources into dynamic organizational units that attain their objectives to the satisfaction of those served and with a high degree of morale.
20. James A.F. Stoner – Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the work of organization members and using all available resources to achieve stated organizational goals.
21. Edward Freeman – Management is the art of balancing stakeholder interests to create value ethically and sustainably while achieving organizational objectives.
Read More: Classical Management
22. Michael Porter – Management is the orchestration of activities to deliver unique value through strategic positioning, operational effectiveness, and continuous innovation.
23. John R. Schermerhorn – Management is the process of working with and through others to achieve organizational objectives efficiently and ethically in a changing environment.
24. Robert Kreitner – Management is the process of coordinating people and other resources to achieve organizational goals through four functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
25. Stephen R. Covey – Management is the empowerment of people and alignment of systems to produce results that reflect principles of effectiveness, trust, and interdependence.
Hence, these are the 25 influential management thinkers and their definitions of management concepts.
Read Next: Why Management is Called an Art?
Sujan Chaudhary is an MBA graduate. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world. While not writing, he will be found reading and exploring the world.
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