Why Study Management

The Universality of Management: Just how universal is the need of management in organizations? We can say with certainty that management is needed in all types and sizes of organizations, at all organizational levels and in all organizational work areas, and in all organizations, no matter what country they are located in. This is known as the universality of management. Managers in all these settings will plan, organize, lead, and control. However this is not to say that management is done the same way. The differences in what a supervisor in a software applications testing facility at Microsoft does versus what the CEO of Microsoft does are a matter of degree and emphasis, not of function. Because both are managers, both will plan, organize, lead, and control, but how they do so will differ.

Since management is universally needed in all organizations, we have a vested interest in improving the way organizations are managed. Why? we interact with organizations every single day of our lives. Does it frustrate you when you have to spend three hours in department of motor vehicles office to get your driver's license renewed? Are you irritated when non of the sales persons in a department store seems interested to help you? Do you get annoyed when you call an airline three times and their sales representatives quote you three different prices for the same trip? Theses are all examples of problems created by poor management. Organizations that are well managed develop a loyal customer base, grow, and prosper. Those that are poorly managed find themselves with a declining customer base and reduced revenues. By studying management, you shall be able to recognize poor management and work to get it corrected. In addition, you shall be able to recognize good management and encourage it, whether it is in an organization with which you are simply interacting or whether it is in an organization in which you are employed.

The Reality of Work:

Another reason for studying management is the reality that for most of you, once you graduate from college and being you career, you will either manage or be managed. For those who plan on management careers, an understanding of the management process forms the foundation upon which to build your management skills. For those of you who don't see your self in a management position, you are still likely to have work with managers. Assuming that you will have to work for a living and recognizing that you are very likely to work in an organization, you shall probably have some managerial responsibilities even if you are not a manager. Our experience tells us that you can gain a great deal of insight into the way your boss behaves and the internal workings of organizations by studying management. Our point is that you don't have to aspire to be a manager to gain something valuable from a course in management.

Rewards and Challenges of Being a Manger:

We cannot leave our discussion of the value of studying management without looking at the rewards and challenges of being a manager. What does it mean to be a manager? Being a manager in today's dynamic work place provides many challenge. It can be a tough and often thankless job. You may have to deal with a variety of personalities and many times have to make do with limited resources. It can be a challenge to motivate works in the face of uncertainty and chaos. And managers may find it difficult to effectively blend the knowledge, skills, ambitions, and experience of a divers group of employees. Finally, as a manager, you are not in full control of your destiny. Your success typically is dependant upon others, work performance.

Despite these challenges, being a manager can be very rewarding. You are responsible for creating a work environment in which organizational members can do their work to the best of their ability and help the organization achieve its goals. In addition, as a manager, you often have the opportunity to think creatively and use your imagination. You help gather find meaning and fulfillment in their work. You get to support, coach, and nurture others and help them make good decisions. You shall get to meet and work with a variety of people-both inside and outside the organizations. Other rewards of being a manger may include receiving recognition and status in the organization and in the community. Playing a role in influencing organizational out comes, and receiving attractive compensation in the form of salaries, bonus, and stock options. Finally, organizations need good managers. Nothing greater ever happens by it self! its through the combined efforts of motivated and passionate people that organizations accomplish their goals. As a manager, you can get satisfaction from knowing that your efforts, skills and abilities are needed.