What is Management As An Activity?
Management as an activity refers to the actions undertaken by managers to accomplish organizational objectives while considering internal and external factors. Just like any other human activity, management involves performing specific tasks and responsibilities.
Managers carry out a range of roles that can be categorized into three main areas. Management, as an activity, is vital for the success of a business as it involves recording and organizing the day-to-day activities of employees, ensuring efficiency, and maintaining control over business operations. By managing activities, employees can prioritize their tasks and improve productivity.
However, as organizations grow, monitoring individual activities becomes more complex, especially with factors like multiple locations and remote employees. Nonetheless, effective management as an activity is essential for guiding the direction of the business and achieving desired outcomes.
Management Activities
According to Henry Mintzberg, management is what managers do. According to him, an as activity, management includes the performance of the following activities.
Interpersonal Activity
Interpersonal activities of management involve interacting with individuals both inside and outside the organization to achieve goals. Managers build relationships with superiors, subordinates, and external parties.
They engage in greetings, attend events, hire and motivate employees, solve problems, and establish contacts. These routine activities contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization.
Related: Management as a Process
Interpersonal roles of managers include being a figurehead, representing the organization in ceremonial events; being a leader, guiding and influencing employees towards organizational interests; and being a liaison, maintaining good relationships with the community and bridging gaps between different units.
Effective interpersonal skills are essential for managers to foster positive relationships, inspire teams, and maintain a favorable public image.
Informational Activity
Informational activities of management involve the collection, distribution, and communication of information both within and outside the organization. Managers interact with stakeholders, gather information from various sources, and transmit it to employees through meetings, notices, and circulars.
They also engage in external communication to convey the organization’s plans and policies to the public, media, and government agencies. The informational roles of managers include monitoring the internal and external environment, disseminating relevant information to the right people, and acting as a spokesperson for the organization.
Effective information management allows managers to make informed decisions and ensure smooth communication within and outside the organization.
Decisional Activity
Decisional activities in management involve making choices and decisions that impact the organization’s direction and success. Managers use the information they gather to make informed decisions in various areas such as launching new products, resolving organizational issues, allocating resources, and negotiating with internal and external parties.
They act as negotiators to protect the organization’s interests, allocate resources effectively for higher productivity, handle disturbances, and conflicts, and take entrepreneurial actions to innovate and achieve goals. Effective decision-making by managers is crucial for organizational performance and adapting to changing environments.
By profession, Sujan Chaudhary is a BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) graduate, and by passion a blogger. 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.