15 Definitions of Management by Different Authors and Thinkers

Definitions of Management

Management is a process in which the activities of the organizations are managed in a way that ensures the organizational goals are met within desired standards. It is the basis of every organization.

Many management thinkers have defined the concept of management in many ways. Here, we have made a list of 15 definitions of management by different management 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 anyone 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”.

Read Next: Why Management is Called an Art?

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