Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Concept of Administration and management
Educational Administration Meaning and Nature
Administration is a machinery through which any organization or institution can be
managed. It is a mean set up for a smooth and efficient working of educational
structure. Educational administration is the direction, control and management of all
matters pertaining to school affairs. Direction is the leadership with in the community
and the school system. Control and management are the means for realization of
purposes defined in educational planning. Education is in the control of the state as
certain controls are at the state level in the form of constitutional provisions,
enactments and also as executive activities. Management designates a broad function,
which the responsibilities related to the school, pupils, teachers and other affair
related to the school.
Russel T. Gregg defines, "Educational administration is the process of utilizing
appropriate materials in such a way as to promote effectively the development of
human qualities. It is concerned not only with the development of children and youth
but also with the growth of adults and particularly with the growth of school
personnel.
Good's Dictionary of Education defines educational administration as, "All those
techniques and procedures employed in operating the educational organization in
accordance with established policies.”
Educational administration is concerned with the dealing and also coordinating the
activities of groups of people. It is the dynamic side of education. Educational
philosophy sets the goal; educational psychology explains the principles of teaching
and educational administration deals with the educational practices. It is planning,
directing, controlling, executing and evaluating the educative process.
Management
“Management is getting work done through others”
Pat Corrigan’s a former elementary school principal who became a manager at a
General Motors' car parts plant says. "I've never made a part in my life and I don't
really have any plans to make one. That's not my job. My job is to create an
environment where people who do make them can make them right, can make them
right the first time can make them at a competitive cost and can do so with some
sense of responsibility and pride in what they’re doing. I don't have to know how to
make a part to do any of those things. Pat Corrigan’s description, of managerial
responsibilities indicates that managers also have to, be concerned with efficiency and
effectiveness in the work process Efficiency is getting work done with a minimum of
effort, expense, or waste. Managers must also strive for effectiveness, which is
accomplishing tasks that help fulfill organizational objectives, such as customer
service and satisfaction.
Definition of management
1. According to Follett "Management is the art of getting things done through
others."
2. According to J.D. Mooney and A.C. Railey "Management is the art of
directing and inspiring people." Management not only directs but motivates people in
the organization for getting their best for obtaining objectives.
“Management is a social process, which is designed to ensure cooperation,
participation, intervention and involvement, of others in the effective achievement of
given or determined objectives. Similarly educational management is also a process
of validating purposes and allocating sources to achieve the maximum attainment of
purposes with the minimum allocation of resources.”
“Management in simple terms means the act of getting people together to accomplish
desired goals. Management comprises planning, organizing, resourcing, leading or
directing, and controlling an organization (a group of one or more people or entities)
or effort for the purpose of accomplishing a goal. Resourcing encompasses the
deployment and manipulation of human resources, financial resources, technological
resources, and natural resources.””
We define “management as the process of designing and maintaining an environment
in individuals which working together in groups, accomplish efficiently selected
aims.” This basic definition needs to be expanded.
1. As managers, people carry out the managerial functions of planning,
organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling.
2. Management applies to any kind of organization.
3. It applies to managers at all organizational levels.
4. The aim of all managers is the same: to create a surplus products right in
time.
5. Managing is concerned with productivity; that implies effectiveness and
efficiency.
1.2 Understanding the concept of Educational Administration and management
Education is one of the most important parts of human development. For education to
run smoothly in schools, colleges, and universities, there must be proper planning,
organization, and guidance. This is where educational administration and
management come into play. Both terms are closely related, but they are not exactly
the same. Let us understand them clearly.
What is Educational Administration?
Educational administration refers to the overall process of planning, organizing,
directing, and controlling the activities of an educational institution. It focuses on
achieving the goals of education in the best possible way. The main aim of
administration is to create a supportive environment where teaching and learning can
happen effectively.
For example, in a school, the principal and administrators decide:
What subjects should be taught
How many teachers are needed
How to arrange classrooms and facilities
How to evaluate student performance
administration is about making big decisions and guiding the whole system so that
education runs properly.
What is Educational Management?
Educational management is more about the practical execution of the policies and
plans made by the administration. It deals with the day-to-day running of the
institution. Management makes sure that the decisions of administration are carried
out effectively.
For example, in a school, management takes care of:
Preparing the timetable
Assigning teachers to classes
Maintaining discipline among students
Ensuring resources like books, labs, and technology are used properly
In short, management is the act of doing things according to the plan, while
administration focuses on planning and setting the direction.
The Relationship between Administration and Management
Although they are different, both administration and management work together.
Administration is like the brain that thinks and plans, while management is like the
hands that act and implement. Without good administration, the goals of education
will not be clear, and without good management, even the best plans will fail.
Importance of Educational Administration and Management
Clear Goals – They ensure that the purpose of education (like academic growth,
character building, and skills development) is properly defined.
Efficient Use of Resources – Proper management avoids wastage of time, money, and
materials.
Quality Education – Through good administration and management, teaching and
learning improve.
Discipline and Order – They maintain a peaceful and organized environment in
schools.
Adaptation to Change – With fast changes in technology and society, administration
and management help institutions adjust quickly.
1.3 Need, rationale and significance of Educational Administration and
Management
Scope of administration
Education is one of the hugest enterprises undertaken for the purpose of the
development and growth of the individual and to meet the needs of society.
It involves the activity of a large number of people - students, teachers, parents and
the public. For such a big enterprise we need a sound machinery to run it and
effective principles to secure efficiency. There is need for the co-operative activity of
all participants in the education process for the achievement of its goals. It is the task
of administration to set up such machinery and make it work smoothly and
effectively.
The scope of educational administration therefore extends to a vast area and a large
variety of activities. We shall to understand the scope of educational administration
taking cue from business and industry.
The scope of general administration under five areas more precisely, viz, a)
Production
b) Assuring public use
c) Finance and Accounting
d) Personnel, and
e) Coordination.
Significance
The significance, or importance, of educational administration and management can
be seen in the positive results it brings:
1. Improved quality of education – When resources are managed well,
students receive better teaching, facilities, and opportunities.
2. Motivation for teachers and students – A supportive environment
encourages teachers to give their best and students to learn with interest.
3. Efficient use of resources – Administration avoids wastage of time,
money, and effort, ensuring better outcomes with limited resources.
4. Achievement of educational goals – Schools and colleges can fulfill
their mission of preparing responsible, knowledgeable citizens.
5. Adaptation to change – Good management helps institutions adjust to
new technologies, teaching methods, and social demands.
6. Nation building – By guiding the educational process, administration
contributes directly to social progress and economic growth.
1.4 Difference between educational administrator and manager
In the field of education, the terms administrator and manager are often used together,
but they are not exactly the same. Both roles are important for the smooth functioning
of schools, colleges, and universities, yet they focus on different aspects of running an
institution.
1. Focus of Work
Educational Administrator – Concentrates on setting rules,
regulations, and policies for the institution. Their main task is to ensure that
the school follows government laws, educational boards’ guidelines, and
institutional traditions.
Educational Manager – Focuses on the practical side of running the
institution. They make sure that day-to-day activities such as teaching,
timetable, staff duties, and resources are handled effectively.
2. Nature of Responsibility
Administrator – Deals more with authority and control. They
represent the governing body and ensure compliance with external
expectations.
Manager – Deals more with planning, organizing, and supervising.
They ensure that goals are achieved within the available resources.
3. Scope of Work
Administrator – Their scope is broader, as they deal with the overall
policy framework, legal issues, and long-term vision of the institution.
Manager – Their scope is narrower, focusing on specific operations
such as classroom management, teacher performance, and student welfare.
4. Decision-Making Style
Administrator – Works at the top level of decision-making. Their
decisions are often formal, policy-oriented, and long-term.
Manager – Works at the middle or lower level of decision-making.
Their decisions are practical, operational, and short-term.
5. Orientation
Administrator – More concerned with maintaining stability,
discipline, and adherence to set norms.
Manager – More concerned with change, innovation, and adapting to
new methods of teaching, learning, and technology.
6. Example of Duties
Administrator – Approving new courses, deciding admission policies,
dealing with government inspections, and framing rules.
Manager – Preparing timetables, assigning classes to teachers,
organizing training workshops, maintaining discipline in classrooms, and
managing funds.
7. Relationship with Staff
Administrator – Maintains a formal relationship, often as the
authority figure who sets the rules.
Manager – Works closely with teachers and staff, guiding and
motivating them to carry out tasks effectively.
8. Accountability
Administrator – Accountable mainly to external authorities such as
government departments, education boards, or the school’s governing
council.
Manager – Accountable to both administrators (for following
policies) and to teachers, students, and parents (for smooth functioning).
9. Time Perspective
Administrator – Thinks more about the future and long-term plans of
the institution.
Manager – Deals mainly with present and immediate needs of the
institution.
10. Skills Required
Administrator – Requires skills in law, policy, planning, and
leadership.
Manager – Requires skills in organization, coordination,
communication, and problem-solving.
1.5 Understanding the Management theories for better management
a. What is a theory?
• Theory is a statement (generalization) that explains some phenomena in a
systematic way.
• It can also be defined as a set of general hypothesis or assumptions which are
systematically related.
1. The Scientific Management theory
2. The Administrative theory of management
3. The Bureaucracy theory
1. Scientific Management Theory
The Scientific Management Theory was introduced by Frederick Winslow Taylor in
the early 1900s. Taylor believed that work could be done better and faster if it was
studied scientifically. His main idea was that there is always "one best way" to do a
job, and managers should find that way and train workers to follow it.
Key points
Work should be studied carefully (time and motion studies).
Workers should be trained in the most efficient way to complete tasks.
Clear division between planning (done by managers) and doing (done by workers).
Financial rewards (incentives) motivate workers to perform better.
Taylor treated work like a science experiment. He believed managers should watch
how people work, measure the time and effort, remove waste, and then train everyone
to work in the most efficient way possible.
Application in education
In schools and educational management, Scientific Management theory can be
applied in several ways:
Efficiency in teaching and learning: Teachers can use methods that
save time and make learning faster and more effective, such as lesson
planning, use of teaching aids, or technology.
Division of work: Different staff members have clear roles—for
example, subject teachers focus on teaching, administrative staff handle
records, and heads of department coordinate.
Standardization: Having clear timetables, structured curriculum, and
standardized testing ensures everyone is working towards the same goals.
Performance incentives: Teachers and students can be motivated
through rewards like recognition, bonuses, scholarships, or certificates for
good performance.
Example
If a school wants to improve students’ exam results, the principal can apply Taylor’s
theory by analyzing how lessons are taught, identifying better methods, training
teachers, and then rewarding improved results.
2. Administrative Theory of Management
The Administrative Theory was developed by Henri Fayol, a French manager, in the
early 20th century. Unlike Taylor, who focused on workers and tasks, Fayol focused
on managers and how they should organize and run the whole organization. He
believed that management is a skill that can be taught, and he gave 14 principles of
management to guide administrators.
Some of the important principles are:
Division of work: Specialization increases efficiency.
Authority and responsibility: Managers must give orders but also
take responsibility.
Discipline: Rules must be followed.
Unity of command: Each worker should have only one boss.
Unity of direction: Everyone should work towards the same goals.
Equity: Managers should be fair.
Stability of staff: Keeping workers for a long time increases loyalty
and productivity.
Esprit de corps: Team spirit improves performance.
Fayol’s theory is about how managers can run an organization well. He believed good
management depends on planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and
controlling.
Application in education
In schools, colleges, or universities, Fayol’s principles can guide administrators like
principals, deans, and education officers:
Planning: Creating school timetables, setting academic calendars, and
planning budgets.
Organizing: Assigning teachers to classes, setting up committees, and
arranging resources.
Commanding: Giving directions to teachers and staff.
Coordinating: Ensuring harmony between departments (science, arts,
sports).
Controlling: Checking whether students’ results, teachers’
performance, or budgets match the goals.
Example
A principal applying Fayol’s theory will ensure teachers have clear job roles,
discipline is maintained, resources are fairly distributed, and everyone is motivated to
achieve the school’s vision.
3. Bureaucracy Theory
The Bureaucracy Theory was introduced by Max Weber, a German sociologist. He
studied how large organizations should be structured to run smoothly and fairly.
Weber believed that organizations should have clear rules, hierarchy, and procedures
so that decisions are not based on personal feelings but on fairness and consistency.
Key points
Hierarchy of authority: Clear levels of power (e.g., principal above
teachers, teachers above students).
Rules and regulations: Written rules guide all actions.
Impersonality: Decisions are based on rules, not personal
relationships.
Division of labour: Everyone has a defined role.
Merit-based employment: Jobs should be given based on
qualifications, not favouritism.
Weber’s bureaucracy means running organizations in a very structured way, where
everything is written down, authority is clear, and decisions are made fairly.
Application in education
In schools, bureaucracy can be seen in the way education systems are organized:
Hierarchy: From the Ministry of Education → Regional education officers →
Principals → Teachers → Students.
Rules and policies: Schools follow government policies, examination rules, and
curriculum guidelines.
Impersonality: Students are graded according to exam scores, not whether a teacher
likes them.
Record keeping: Student attendance, marks, and staff performance are kept in official
records.
Merit system: Teachers are employed and promoted based on qualifications and
performance.
Example
If a student wants a transfer from one school to another, the process is guided by
written rules and formal approvals. This prevents bias and ensures fairness.
Comparison of the Three Theories in Education
Theory Focus Application in Education Limitation
Scientific Management Efficiency and productivity Streamlined teaching
methods, standardized exams, rewards May treat teachers/students like machines
Administrative Theory Roles and functions of managers Principals planning,
organizing, coordinatingCan be too rigid if over-applied
Bureaucracy Theory Structure, rules, and fairness Clear hierarchy, policies,
record-keeping Can be slow and discourage creativity