Key Point |
Management |
Administration |
Focus and Scope |
Management primarily focuses on implementing strategies, planning, organizing resources, directing employees, and controlling operational activities. It is concerned with achieving organizational goals, improving efficiency, and maximizing productivity. |
Administration focuses on the broader aspects of overseeing the entire organization. It involves setting policies, formulating plans, creating organizational structures, and making decisions that impact the overall direction and functioning of the organization. |
Level of Authority |
Managers operate at various levels within the organizational hierarchy, from top-level executives to middle and front-line managers. They have the authority to make decisions, direct subordinates, and allocate resources within their respective departments or areas of responsibility. |
Administrators typically occupy top-level positions in an organization, such as CEOs, presidents, or executive directors. They have overall authority and responsibility for strategic decision-making, policy development, and ensuring the organization's long-term success. |
Timeframe and Orientation |
Management is more focused on the short-to-medium-term activities and operations of the organization. Managers are concerned with planning, organizing, leading, and controlling day-to-day tasks and projects to meet immediate goals and targets. |
Administration takes a long-term perspective and is concerned with the organization's future direction, sustainability, and growth. Administrators focus on strategic planning, policy formulation, and ensuring the organization's overall effectiveness and viability. |
Nature of Work |
Managers are involved in implementing specific tasks, overseeing operations, supervising employees, and ensuring efficient execution of plans. They are directly involved in coordinating and controlling activities within their functional areas. |
Administrators are responsible for creating and implementing policies, setting organizational goals, establishing frameworks for decision-making, and ensuring effective coordination and communication across various departments and functions. |
Skill Set and Expertise |
Managers require a range of skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills. They focus on managing people, resources, and processes to achieve desired outcomes. |
Administrators need a broader set of skills, including strategic thinking, visioning, policy development, financial management, and a deep understanding of the organization's industry and external environment. They provide guidance, set the overall direction, and make decisions that shape the organization's future. |
While management and administration are distinct, they are interdependent and work together to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of an organization. Management implements the plans and policies formulated by administration, while administration provides the overall framework and direction for management to operate within. Both functions are necessary for organizational success, with management focusing on day-to-day operations and administration providing strategic guidance and long-term planning. |