INTRODUCTION TO OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Unit – 1
Modern Office: An Overview
Learning Objectives

After completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Know the meaning of modern office.

To improve knowledge on office management and its functions.

Structure:

Introduction
Meaning and definition
Office work
Office Activities
Factors contributing towards growth of office
Types of Office
Relation of Office with other Department
Importance of Office
Challenges before Office
Key terms
Model Questions

Introduction :

Office is described as the nerve centre of the entire organization. The present day office
activities have expanded to a wider extent to keep pace with rapid globalization.
Further, office by itself has become an indispensable part of any business organization.
Modern offices are organized on scientific principles and their techno-savvy office
managers which has paved way for the sustenance of a business amidst cutthroat
competition.

In olden days, all the job of the organization had been done mostly by the proprietors. If
the work was more, two or three persons were to be appointed. They sat in small rooms
and worked in poorly lighted and congested place. There were no modern office
amenities as today; clerks were found copying letters tiresomely turning leather bound
registers etc. Since the typewriters had not come into general use, most of the office
work had to be performed manually and clerks would be found in spending most of

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their time in copying letters for despatch to customers. All the internal and external
communications were performed through human agency. The telephones and intercom
systems were not generally in use. The proprietor of a business would be found sitting
in the office room and supervising the office work. He personally deals with the
customers and visitors. In earlier period, production was generally from a limited
number of raw materials, that too available locally, and marketing the products was
also, in most cases, confined to local market. Thus, in those days, the businessmen were
interested in maximizing profits through the two important profit centre, i.e. production
and marketing. A few decades ago, the office had been defined as a place where clerical
work is performed for the successful operation of an institution. Office work may be
done by a clerk within the four walls of a building.

Office activities have undergone vast changes in the last few decades. The World has
witnessed spectacular developments and advances in the field of science, technology,
industrialization, transport, communication etc., In modern concepts is to view office as
a function. When it is taken as a function, it (Office) may direct, control and coordinate
the office work wherever it is done and whosoever does it. Here it may be noted that in
the modern time, offices are developed on scientific principles and their management
and administration is in the hands of qualified and trained managerial personnel.

Meaning and Definition :

Office is a place for transacting business where clerical and administrative functions are
carried out to coordinate and control activities of the organization. A typical office
performs tasks such as framing of

Fig. 1.1 Modern Office

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business policies, processing and communication of information, record keeping,
handling mails, execution of orders and managing receipts and payments. Office can be
described as any place where information converges on paper which is documented,
preserved and used for both current and future operations of business.

Office activities have undergone a vast change in the last four of five decades. The old
dingy, cluttered, stuffy office rooms have vanished and in their place we have well
ventilated well-lighted, air-conditioned offices with up to date furnishings in alluring,
designs. Gone are the day when the head of the concern personally supervised the work
of clerks. Today, modern offices are organized on scientific principles and their
management and administration are in the hands of specialized office manager.
Managers do not share the same room with clerks but sit in separate rooms. The clerks
are supervised and controlled with the help of supervisors and through standard office
systems, routines, office manuals etc.

The vast changes have led to an expansion in the scale of production and business
activities. As the size of business enterprises grows, there is corresponding increase in
the volume of office work. The office activities of today are not performed by general
clerks but by specialized clerks – Receptionist, Cashier, Typist, Telephone Operators
etc. There is also a greater division of labour. Departmentalization of office has been
effected. The office managers of today welcome greater use of machines and minimal
use of human beings in the office work. Machines-typewriter, telephones, computers,
calculators, duplicating machines, Dictaphones, accounting machines, intercom, cellular
phones, internet system etc. help to save time and labour. Computers are the latest
additions to the long list of office machines. They are capable of performing most
clerical operations at high speed without errors. Thus modern office are becoming more
and more high-tech.

Office is an important section of a business. The term business implies office work. The
dictionary meaning of office is “a place for the transaction of business, the room or
department, where the clerical work is done,” or we can say “ a place where business is
carried on”, or it is “a place where all sorts of activities of organization are dealt with”.
Office is the centre of an organization. Commercial office acts as a central directing and
co-ordinating agency of the various activities of any business.

In modern age, the “office” is used in a broader sense. Prof. Dicksee states, “An office
is to a business what the mainspring is to a watch”. An organization cannot be carried
on without an office, as a watch without the mainspring is useless. In the present times,
the modern office organization has so much importance as the brain in a human body.
Thus a commercial office can be called “a clearing house of all essential business
information”. The office has to receive or collect all information of the business,
process the collected information (analyse, arrange and classify) and put them into
understandable form on the one hand. On the other hand, the processed, information has
to be presented or communicated to the management of the business, as and when
required.
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According to the Random House Dictionary “An office is a place where business is
transacted or professional services are available” An office is the place where the
control mechanisms for an enterprise are located, where records are initiated for
communication, control and efficient operation of the enterprise. According to Mills and
Standing Ford, “The office is the administrative centre of a business. The purpose of an
office has been defined as the providing of a service of communication and record.

It is generally seen, in commercial offices, there are some persons to receive

information, process them (made understandable in form) and supply the processed
information to the management. Doing so, can be called clerical job. Clerical job
includes correspondence (to collect information or clarify the information received)
serving (filing), typing, book-keeping, handling of money etc. so it is confirmed that an
efficient management of the organization helps the managers or executives to formulate
planning, organizing, controlling and supervising the activities of a business concern
Prompt and accurate decision depend upon timely information.

An office is a place to record the information for the purposes of control through
collection (of information) handled and serviced and where the control mechanism for a
business is located-paper work is to attain an aimed result. One must give importance to
the office function rather than to the place. An office is a place of paper processing and
memory centre for all its departments. In office, policies and ideas are formulated
through collection and analysis of obtained information. An office maintains all records.
And these readymade, scrutinized and processed information are made available to the
management to attain the best result.

Definitions :

A few definitions of office are given below:

“An office is the administrative centre of a business. The purpose of an office has been
defined as the providing of a service of communication and record”- Mills & Standing
Ford.

“An office is a place where business is transacted or professional service is available”-

Random Hours Dictionary

“Office is a unit where relevant records for the purpose of control, planning and
efficient management of the organization are prepared, handled or preserved. Office
provides facilities for internal and external communication and coordinates activities of
different departments of the organization.” – Little field and Rachel.

“The essential feature of the office is the work itself, not who does it or where it is done.
If it is office or clerical work in one place, it is office or clerical work everywhere
regardless of where the work is done or who does it”

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“The office is not in one place; no matter how much we centralize its services, there will
still be office work at the point of use. Some enterprise are almost all office. The
activities of the office do not, strictly speaking, constitute a function, they are parts of
all functions”.

In a business organization, the chief executive and his management team cannot deal
personally with all the communications and cannot remember all the facts connected
with it. There, the office comes to their rescue by providing with relevant facts and
figures on the basis of which the management exercises its managerial functions of
planning, co-ordination and control. According to Leffingwell and Robinson, “A well
organized office makes it possible for the management to plan its operations
intelligently, to put its plans into effect surely, to follow their progress currently, to
determine their effectiveness promptly, to appraise the results without delay and to co-
ordinate all the activities of the business.”

Office Work:

According to the old concept “Office work” is mostly concerned with the records of an
enterprise and making, preserving the records for further usage, so from this we can call
office work as clerical work. And office work not only deals with records, it also
includes communication, mechanical data processing, planning and scheduling etc.

Office work is mainly concerned with clerical work or paper work. But this is a very
narrow view and is an old concept of office work. Now-a-days, office work has a very
wide scope. Office work is primarily concerned with making, preserving and using
records. The records are concerned about purchasing, producing, selling, accounting and
correspondence, inventories and written or printed memorandum of all kinds. These
records are essential for an efficient and effective control of the organization.

An office serves as the memory centre and control centre of an organization. The office
performs many services like communication, reproduction, mechanical data, processing,
procuring of stationery, furniture and equipment, secretarial assistance etc. to other
departments in an organization.

Office is a unit where relevant records for the purpose of control, planning and efficient
management of the organization are prepared, handled and preserved. Office provides
facilities for internal and external communication and co-ordinates activities of different
departments of the organization.

The purpose of an office is:

1. To preserve all the records of the business.
2. To handle incoming correspondence.

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3. To plan the policies of the business and ensure their implementation.
4. To direct and co-ordinate the activities of the various department, and
5. To maintain accounts, statutory and non-statutory books etc. of the business.

Office Activities:

Each office has a personality of its own. This personality is a reflection of the purpose
for which an office exists. The manufacturing office will have a profile that differs from
that of a sales office. The accounting office will have a different orientation from that of
a research and development office. In organizing a new office the office manager must
first determine the prime reason existence of that office and then add the necessary
ingredients to bring about an efficient operation entity that achieves predetermined
results:

Although offices differ from one another in prime responsibility, many activities are
commonly carried out by all the offices. Some of these activities are:

a) Processing Incoming mail.

b) Processing outgoing mail.
c) Maintenance of records (Filing and Indexing).
d) Establishing standard at office work.
e) Designing and procuring at office forms, stationery etc.
f) Recruitment and training of office staff.
g) Maintenance of furniture, machines, appliances etc.
h) Preparation of statements, reports etc.
i) Maintenance of accounts and other financial records.
j) Handling Telephone calls and enquiries.
k) Preparing update information for the whole firm.
l) Arranging the data in a quickly and accessible form for use.
m)Safeguarding the assets.
n) Keeping a prompt and accurate handling of enquiries orders etc.
o) Maintaining efficient flow of work in the office.

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 Factors contributing to the growth of office work:

The office work has tremendously grown in the modern economy. Due to the expansion
of economic activities, the work has been increased manifold. The following factors
have contributed to the growth of office work:

i) The management needs proper and timely information all aspects of business
operations in order to arrive at intelligent decision –making.
ii) When the business grows, office work also grows proportionately.
iii) The work concerned with the preparation of returns to Govt., financial statements,
dealings with employees etc., increase office work.
iv) With increase of service activities such as accounting, banking, advertising,
marketing, insurance damages etc., the paper work has increased tremendously.
v) The importance of office in relation to customers is of great significance. Office acts
as the channel that links the business organization with its customers.

Types of office:

The various types of office are as follows:

1. Front Office
It is a business term that-refers to a company’s departments that come in contact with
clients including the marketing, sales and service departments. The front office
welcomes visitors, meets and greets them and handles their queries.

Fig. 1.2 Front Office

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2. The middle office:
Middle office comprises departments of financial service that manage position keeping.
These divisions ensure that transactions capture profit flows. The middle office is
usually a part of operations division, which is also in-charge of settlement. Due to their
critical role, middle office functions along with front office and is supervised by the
back office managers.

3. The electronic office or e-office:

It was a term coined to cover the increasing use of computer-based information
technology for office work, especially in the 1980s. it is widely used since all modern
office are electronic offices.

E-office reduces most of the paper work and also makes the office communication
electronic. E-office requires the use of individual computers loaded with software
applications which are inter connected in Local Area Network (LAN).

4. The virtual Office:

It is the combination off-site live communication and address services that allow users
to reduce traditional office costs while maintaining business professionalism.

Fig. 1.3 Virtual Office

Virtual office implies space utilization, but a full application includes professional live
communications of tele conferencing.

5. Back Office:
It is a part of most operations where tasks dedicated to operating the company are
performed. The term comes from the building layout of early organizations where the
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front office would contain the sales and other customer facing staff and the back office
would be those manufacturing or developing the products or involved in administration
but without being seen by customers. Although the operations of a back office usually
not given a lot of consideration, their contribution to the business is significant.
Examples of Back Office tasks include Accounting, Computerization of transact
running (operation architecture), accounting and human supported by software and
database.

Relation of office with other Departments :

Large organizations are divided into various departments such as office, production,
purchase, sales, finance, personnel etc. It is the office which is concerned with
receiving, recording, arranging, analyzing and giving of information. All the
departments depend upon the for various information needs. The office serves as the co-
ordinating link in any organization. For coordinating the activities of different
departments is an organization, office has to keep relations with each and every
department. For example, orders for raw materials, sales, complaints, appointments etc.
are passed through office only. Office needs information of many kinds from

Fig 1.4 Relation of office with other Department

different functional departments for framing general policies. Office supplies

information needed in performing the functions of production, sales, personnel etc. and
collects information from these departments for general policy framing and co-
ordination relationship of office with other department of an organization is given
below:

1) Office and production department:

The production department is concerned with the production of goods and services.
Raw materials, machines, equipments etc. are needed to produce goods. They depend
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upon office to get their requirements. The office makes purchases on behalf of the
production department and also informs the production department the requirements of
consumers and customers. The office is also provide common services to production
department, like purchases correspondence, filing, market research, the trend of the
market etc.

2) Office and Marketing/Sales Department:

The office is always keep relations with customers. It is the office receives enquires
orders etc. Enquiries are replied. Orders are executed by the sales department and the
bill is sent through office. Complaints from customers are received by the office and
convey them to sales department. When sales go down, the office helps in marketing
research to find out the reasons for low sales. The reasons are known to departmental
heads, who take step to overcome the situations. Office receives information on behalf
of sales department and office gives information to sales department, apart from general
or common service, such as mailing, filing, communication etc.

3) Office and Purchase Department:

Materials, stores, plant, machineries etc. needed for purchase department is arranged by
the office. Office assists the purchase department in inviting quotations or tenders, in
sending orders, receiving invoices, making payments etc. it also gives general services
to purchase department and maintains purchase journals, ledgers etc.

4) Office and Accounts / Finance Department:

The accounts department maintains all the records of all business transactions with the
help of office. The office prepares various financial statements and reports for the top
management correspondence on behalf of accounts department is conducted by the
office. It renders assistance to maintain the books of accounts, budgets, salaries and
wage bills, invoices, collection of debt etc.

5) Office and Personal Department:

The personal department is created only to provide necessary help to the managers in
performing the staffing function. Without the productive efforts of human being,
material resources would be meaningless and idle. Recruitment, training etc. are routed
through office. The office maintains the records of all the employees. The workers or
the employees can communicate with the management through office. There is a close
link between the office and personal department.

Importance of Office :

“No organization worth its name can exist without an office”. Thus the office is an
important segment in any organization big or small, Govt. or Private and contributes to
its efficient and economical functioning. The importance of a office to a business
organization is high because of the variety and complications which a business
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enterprise is to face owing to competition, legal and statutory restrictions, role of trade
unions and a host of other factors. A business enterprise today cannot face these
challenges and problems without the assistance of a well organized office.

Office is the real behind every business activity and the nerve centre of all deliberations.
In the words of Dicksee, what office is to business is what the man spring is to watch.
All operations are directed, coordinated and controlled through the pivotal point office.
A well organized office makes it possible for management to plan its operations
intelligently to appraise the results and co-ordinate all the activities of the business.

The importance of office arises due to the following factors

a) Office as an Information Centre:

Office can be described as the information centre or data bank of an organization. All
kinds of information and figures, whether past or present, are available in the office.

Fig 1.5 Office an Information Centre

The information furnished by the office serves as the basis of forecast, planning and
control.

b) Channel of Communication:

Office is a channel through which communications especially written communications,

move from top to bottom and in reverse order as well. An organization would fail in
spite of its best talents, if objectives, policies, orders and results are not communicated
is either direction.

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c) Aids in coordination:
Office serves a coordinating link among all the department of an organization. The
process of coordination is almost impossible without the presence of office. Office
provides the necessary information and knowledge for coordinating the efforts of
different departments such as production, finance, personnel and marketing.

d) Aids in Managerial Control:

Control can be described as the measurement and control of performance of
subordinates in order to make sure that enterprise objectives and the plans made to
achieve them are accomplished. Control is thus a necessary function of management
which requires.

 Establishment of standards
 Measurement of performance against standards
 Correction of deviations from the standards and plans

Control cannot be exercised only with the help and support from the office. Required
datas collected, documented and presented for effectinve control by the office.

e) Importance Vis-à-vis workers :

Effective human relations require effective organization. Preparation of wage and salary
sheets and their payment are the responsibilities of office. Office is also responsible for
operating employee benefit schemes such as pension and provident fund schemes.
Office contributes immensely in maintaining good relations between the management
and workers.

f) Importance Vis-à-vis share holders and creditors :

Office serves as the link between the share holders and on the one hand and the
company on the other. Office helps with the work related to issue of share certificates,
dividend warrants and notice of company meetings. Share transfer and answering
different enquiries of share holders. Office also links the creditors with the
organizations and act as a liaison for them.

g) Importance relation to customers:

Importance of office in relation to customers is of great significance. Office acts as a
channel that links the business organization with its customers. Their enquiries, orders
and complaints are taken care of by the office through direct personal contact print,
visual and electronic media are used by the office to inform the customers about the
products and their uses.

h) Importance in relation to Government and general public:

Today, a business organization is recognized as a social institution. It is required to
satisfy government regulations. The office acts a link between different Govt.
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departments and the organization. Office is also the link between the general public and
the organization. Office is responsible for building a healthy social image of the
organization in the minds of the people.

i) Office as an intermediary: An office connects outsiders with different departments

and vice versa. All the sales orders are received through the office. It connects the
organization with the customers, suppliers, Government and general public. Public
relations are very important aspect of the Functions of modern office. The importance of
office in relation to customers is of great significance. Office acts as a channel that link
the business organization with the customers. Their enquiries, orders, complaints etc.
are taken care of by the office. The office acts as the link between different government
departments and the organization. Office is responsible for creating a good image for
the organization in the minds of the people, Danny Griswold describes public relations
thus: “The management function which evaluates public attitudes, identifies the policies
and procedures of an individual or an organization with the public interest, and executes
a programme of action to earn public understanding and acceptance.” Thus the office
conveys to the public the objective, policies and programmes of the business.

j) Store of records: Office keeps adequate and up-to-date records of the business
institution. It is the source of information for conducting, directing and controlling the
business activities. To the management the records are the tools to direct the activities
of the business. As such, the office plays an important role in the efficient management
of the business

k) Cost reduction: Office assists all departments in achieving their objectives.

Generally customers send their orders to be executed. Of course, there is an additional
cost when these orders are handled by the office. But if the orders are not handled
properly and effectively, it is possible that some of the customers may stop further
orders. And this leads to reduction in the profit. A well organized office with its
business policies and plans will surely add to the earning capacity of the business.

l) Office as administrative nerve centre: An office is the heart of all business

activities. From here information on purchase, sale, financial and communication gets
circulated.

Challenges before Office:

In the contemporary business world office in our country faces challenges of different
kinds-social, political, economical etc. Some of the challenges are stated below:

a) Mechanization:
In the modern day the office activity is becoming more and mechanized, says for
example, sophisticated mechines, like computers. The challenge before the management
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lies is installing these machines with the cooperation of the employees and their
maintenance and proper use.

b) Growth:
Owners (Share-holders) are in no longer in direct control of the business of a company
form of business organization. The top management aims the business to grow even
when expansion is not accompanied by adequate profits. However, growth is
accompanied by adequate return to the share-holders of the company.

c) Statutes:
Various laws concerning the management are being changed frequently to achieve the
social and economic objectives. It is essential for the office of an organization to gear
itself to face such changes. The problem lies on the office in running the enterprise
without evading the various laws.

d) Recruitment of Staff:
By the introduction of sophisticated machines, it is an important problem to attract
better entrants and train them properly. There must be provision of proper incentive
system and promotional opportunities.

e) Reduction of paperwork:
The office should distinguish between essential and non-essential records. Some records
may be essential. Such records may be retained and other non-essential records should
be destroyed.

Modern office with the complexities of business activities are increasing day-by-day.
The unit 1of the model is carefully crafted for you to present modern office an overview
which reveals about that offices are organized on scientific principles with techno-savvy
office managers to manage its business a midst cut throat competition. It is described in
detail its meaning, definition activities factors contributing towards growth focused
upon intelligent decision-making, how to cope up proportionately when business grows,
to increase service activities and importance keeping in mind the importance of
customers.

Further it is clearly dealt on types of office i.e, front office, middle office, e-office,
virtual office and back office. Besides, relation of office with other departments like
production, marketing, purchase Accounts and personal have been clearly described.

Emphasis is also given on the importance of office touching various aspects viz., office
as an information centre, channel of communication, aids in coordination, managerial

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control, importance of workers, share holders and creditors, customers and relation with
Govt. and general public.

It has not lost sight over the challenges of modern office keeping in mind modern day
office mechanization, growth, statutes, recruitment to mew entrants with techno savvy
and how to reduce paper work.

In fine, it is described how managers need to be equipped with the above concepts and
changes in a very lucid style.

Key Terms :

 Office: it is the nerve centre of the entire organization.

 Administrative: Relating to or responsible for administration.
 Management: The art of getting things done.
 Front office: It welcomes visitors.
 Middle Office: It is usually a part of operations division.
 Electronic office or e-office: Computer based office
 Virtual office: Being actual or in almost every respect.
 Back office: Building layout of early organization where tasks dedicated to the
operating company.
 Organization: It means a group of people who are cooperating under the direction
of leadership for accomplishment of communed.
 Filing: Keeping papers in order.
 Indexing: Anything giving an indication or table of contacts.
 Recruitment: An action of a newly enlisted practice for employment.
 Computing: To calculate or estimate.
 Globalization: Position that puts worldwide.
 Cutthroat: Extremely tough / relent less.
 Handling: Someone who to deal with.
 Execution: Performing or Accomplishing.
 Documented: Collection and keeping documents in order to be done.
 Maintenance: Act of protection.
 Supervision: To bring about conformity between planned and actual results.
 Communication: Process of passing information.

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  Coordinating: It means monitoring, balancing and keeping the team together
 Planning: Dealing in advance what is to be done.

Model Question :

1. Define an office and explain its various activities?

2. “The office is a coordinating factor” Explain?
3. Discuss the various factors contributing to the growth of office work?
4. Explain the various activities of a modern office?
5. List the different types of offices?

Modern Office Functions

Learning Objectives

After completion of this unit you should able to know:

 Functions of Office Management

 Intricacies of Office Management
 Role of a Office Manager
 Also understand about office organization.

Structure:
Introduction
Definition of Office Management
Functions of Office Management
Scientific office Management
Departmentation
Functions of an Officer Manager
Office Organization
Let’s Sum-up
Key Terms
Self Assessment Questions
Further Readings
Model Questions

Introduction:

Management simple means to control or to administer. Office management means the

method of controlling an office so as to enable to achieve a given aim. In our modern
society, all kinds of business are carried on by a group of people, who have enough
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knowledge in their respective filed. But group of people, who are working for a
common object, must be guided and controlled by a leader or an authority. This is the
function of the management. Management is a technique of leadership or control of an
office in order to attain the aimed result through the efforts of other people in grouped
activities. This is possible when the office is properly organized and managed. Office
function is carried on by a group of people for a common result, by giving services to
the organization. The management has to organize the office in such a way to attain the
objectives. It is the function of the management to orgnaise, guide and control the whole
activities of the office personnel for a common aim. That is why in the present era, the
personnel management has become a specialized subject.

Before to enter into the topic, it would be essential to understand the meaning and
definition of administration which is as follows :

Administration is the function in industry concerned in the determination of the

corporate policy, the co-ordination of finance, production and distribution, the
settlement of the compass of the organization and the ultimate control of the executive.

According to schedule, “Administration is the force which lays down the object for
which an organization and its management are to strive and the broad polices under
which they are to operate. Management is the force which leads guides and directs an
organization in the accomplishment of a predetermined object. Orgnaisation is the
combination of the necessary human beings, materials, tools, equipment, working space
and appurtenances, brought together in systematic and effective correlation, to
accomplish some desired object.”

According to Milward, “Administration is primarily the process and the agency used to
establish the object or purpose which an undertaking and its staff are to achieve,
secondarily, administration has to plan and to stabilise the broad lines or principles
which will govern action. These broad lines are in their turn usually called policies.
Management is the process and the agency through which the execution of policy is
planned and supervised. Organization is the process of dividing work into convenient
tasks or duties, of grouping such duties in the form of posts of delegating authority to
each post and of appointing qualified staff to be responsible that the work is carried out
as planned.”

It is known through economics that the factors of production are divided into four- land,
labour, capital and entrepreneur. The last one is important under the present study. The
entrepreneur is the man, who brings together the other factors in a business. The other
factors can be called as organization. For example consider a human body. Human body
can be compared as an organization. It has various organs- ears to hear, eyes to see,
hands to work, legs to walk, etc. Each organ has a specific work. Each of the organs of
course works in coordination with the other organs. All the activities of the different
organs combined, can be considered as an organization. Finally, there is a top
administrator the brain. Similarly in business, production department, sales department,
personnel department etc. have to do the proper function as directed by the
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management. The organization may refer to the function of organization or to plans
carried out through persons. Organization is concerned with and exists when an employ
is selected, assigned jobs within his ability to work through a clear understanding. He
must understand what he should do, how he should do and when he should do.

Office Administration denotes the function of giving birth to major policies upon which
the enterprise is to be functioned. In a joint- stock company, the Board of Directors
makes the major policies and in a partnership firm, the partners lay down the policies. In
all kinds of business the function of administration is the same. Making the policies is
the function of administration.

Definition of Office Management :

According to Leffingwell & Robinson, “Office Management as an function is that-

branch of the art and science of management which is concerned with the efficient
performances of office work, whenever and wherever that work is done.”

According to Mill & Standingford, “Office management may be defined as the art of
guiding the personnel of the office in the use of materials, methods, machines and
equipment appropriate to their environment in order to achieve its specified purposes.”

Wylie defines “office management as the manipulation and control of men, methods,
machines and materials to achieve the best possible result- result of the highest possible
quality with the best possible effort and expense, in the shortest practicable time and in
a manner acceptable to the top management”.

Now we can understand from the above definitions that office management means
planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling the activities of an office.

Functions of Office Management :

There is no universally accepts classification of management functions. This is because

different authors, who were considering different organizations, gave separate
classification of management functions. Office management is similar to the general or
administrative management; it performs the same functions as are performed by the
management. The functions of office management in brief, are given below:
I. Planning:
Planning is a fundamental function of office management. All types of organizations
prepare plans. Planning our studies, our careers, new products etc. are examples of
planning. It is the determination of a course of action to achieve a desired result.
Planning concentrates on setting and achieving objectives of an organization. It is an
intellectual process. It is characterized as the process of thinking before doing. Planning
function of management precedes all other managerial functions. “Planning is deciding
in advance what is to be done. When a manger plans, he projects a course of action for
the future, attempting to achieve a consistent, co-ordinated structure of operations aimed
at the desired results.” Planning involves projecting the future course of action for the
33
business as a whole and also for different sections within it. Planning is thus the
preparatory step for actions and helps in bridging the gap between the present and the
future. Since planning is essentially choosing, it is dependent upon the availability of
alternatives. It is through this process of choosing that office manager can obviously be
seen as an important aspect of planning. Planning process comprises determination and
laying down of objectives, policies, procedures, rules, programmes, budget and
strategies etc. The operations of the office will not run smoothly if they are not planned
adequately. Planning makes it possible to occur which would not otherwise happen.

Benefits of Planning:
1. The business objectives can easily be secured through plans.
2. Planning gives direction to activities in the office.
3. It focuses attention on objectives.
4. It provides co-ordinated efforts and reduces risk and uncertainties.
5. If facilitates the process of decision-making.
6. It encourages innovation and creativity.
7. It serves as a basis of control.
8. It encourages the sense of involvement and team spirit.
9. It eliminates unproductive office work and thus helps to minimize cost.
10. It helps in economical operations.

II. Organising:
It is an important managerial activity by which management brings together the human
and material resources for the achievement of certain objectives. Organization is the
foundation upon which the whole structure of management is built. It may be conceived
of as the structuring of functions and duties to be performed by a group of people for the
purpose of attaining enterprise objectives. Organizing is the determining, grouping and
arranging of the various activities deemed necessary for the attainment of the objectives
the assigning of people to those activities, the providing of suitable physical factors of
environment and the indicating of the relative authority delegated to each individual
charged with the execution of each respective activity.
According to Louis A Allen, “Organisation is the process of identifying and grouping
the work to be performed, defining and delegating responsibility and authority, and
establishing relationships for the purpose of enabling people to work most effectively
together in accomplishing objectives.”
According to Liver Sheldon, “Organisation is the process of combining the work which
individuals and groups have to perform with the faculties necessary for its execution
that the duties so formed provide the best channels for efficient, systematic, positive and
co-ordinated application of the available effort.”

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Steps of Organisation:
The important steps involved in the process of an organization are:
1. Identification of Activities
Organization structure is developed to achieve objectives. Organisation as a
process of management is concerned with identifying and grouping of activities
to be performed.
2. Grouping of Activities:
Closely related and similar activities are grouped together to form departments,
divisions or sections. Grouping may be done on several bases depending on the
requirements of the situation. Such grouping of activities is called
departmentation.

3. Assignment of Duties:
Each group of related activities is assigned a position most suited for it. Every
position is occupied by an individual. While assigning duties, the requirements
of the job and the competence of the individual should be properly matched
together. The process of assigning duties goes on till the last level of the
organization.
4. Delegation of Authority:
Authority without responsibility is a dangerous thing and similarly responsibility
without authority is an empty vessel. Hence corresponding to the responsibility
authority is delegated to the sub-ordinates for enabling them to show work
performance.
5. Fitting Individuals:
Having determined the various parts and portions of the job to be done, the next
step will be to fix suitable and well-qualified persons into these activities. Each
person in the group will be given a specific part of the job to do and will be
made responsible for it.
III. Staffing:
‘Staffing’ is concerned with the recruitment, selection, placement, training, growth and
development of all those members of the organization whose function is to get things
done through the efforts of other individuals. After determining the number and type of
personnel to be appointed to fill different jobs management starts recruiting, selecting
the training the people to fulfill the requirements of the enterprise. According to
Franklin Moore, “Staffing is a forward looking activity because tomorrow keeps
becoming today. Attrition constantly reduces executive ranks through retirement, death,
resignations and occasional dismissal; so young men keep moving up. Besides this,
most enterprise grow, providing new openings for managers.” The function of staffing
was considered to be a part of organizing but recently it has developed into a distinct
function of management, and is, therefore treated separately in the chapter relating to
Personnel Management.

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IV. Directing:
Once plans are drawn up to re-determined objectives competent persons are appointed,
the organization is ready to go into action. Directing is the managerial function of
guiding, inspiring, instructing and harnessing people towards the accomplishment of
desired results. It is that part of the management process which actuates the members of
an organization to work effectively and efficiently for the achievement of the goals.
Direction is the managerial function of guiding, inspiring, instructing and harnessing
people towards the accomplishment of desired results. It is that part of the management
process which actuates the members of an organization to work effectively and
efficiently for the achievement of the goals. Direction in the words of Koentz and Q
‘donnel, “the interpersonal aspect of managing by which subordinates are led to
understand and contribute effectively and efficiently to the attainment of enterprise
objectives.” According to Haimann, “Directing consists of the process and techniques
utilized in issuing instructions and making certain that operations are carried on as
originally planned Directing is the process around which all performance revolves. It is
the essence of operations, and co-ordination is a necessary by product of good
managerial directing.” Directing consists of the following steps:
1. Issuing orders and instructions to sub-ordinates.
2. Guiding and teaching the sub-ordinates the proper method of doing work;
3. Supervising the work of sub-ordinates to ensure that it conforms to plan;
4. Motivation of sub-ordinates by providing incentives.

V. Motivating:
The term motivation has been derived from the word motive. Motive is anything that
initiates or sustains activity. It is an inner state that energises, activates or moves and
that directs or channels behavior towards goals. Motive is a psychological force within
an individual that sets him in motion. Behind every human action there is a motive.
According to Brech, “Motivation is a general inspirational process which gets the
members of the team to pull their weight effectively, to give their loyalty to the group,
to carry our properly the tasks that they have accepted and generally to play an
effective part in the job that the group has undertaken.” The important task of office
management is to motivate employees so that they may direct their efforts towards the
accomplishment of organizational goals.
Motivating may be achieved by:
1. Providing inducements and incentives to employees;
2. Keeping morals high;
3. Satisfying the needs of the employees.

VI. Co-ordinating:
Along with specialization there must be conscious efforts on the part of the management
to see that all activities, carried on by experts and different departments, should
contribute to the achievement of the objective of the business. Smooth working of an
enterprise and the definite achievement of its objectives depend on sound co-ordination.
36
According to Lundy, “Co-ordination involves the development of unity of purpose and
the harmonious implementation of plans for the achievement of desired ends.”
According to Mooney and Reiley, “Orderly arrangement of group efforts to provide unit
of action in pursuit of a common purpose.” Thus coordination may be achieved by:-
1. Simplified organization.
2. Harmonized programmes and policies.
3. Well designed method of communication.
4. Voluntary cooperation.
5. Coordination through supervision.
6. Clear cut objectives.
7. Clear definition of authority and responsibility.

8. Effective leadership.

VII. Controlling :
“To control is to determine what is being accomplished; that is to evaluate performance
and, if necessary, to apply corrective measures so that performance takes place
according plan. After the plans are put into action, there can be several hurdles in the
achievement goals. Results may fall short of targets. Direction may be faulty.
Therefore, management must find out what is going wrong, what changes in plans and
directions are required and what must be done to set things right. This is the function of
control. In words of Anthony “Management control is the process by which managers
assure that resources are obtained and used effectively and efficiently in the
accomplishment of an organisation’s objectives.”

Basic elements of the control process:

1. Establishment of standards or objectives.
2. Measurements of actual performance.
3. Comparing actual performance against the standard set.
4. Determining the reason for deviation.
5. Taking corrective action.
6. Feedback.
Control is thus closely related to the planning job of the manager. But it should not be
viewed merely as a postmortem of past achievements and performance. In practice, a
good control system should suggest corrective measures so that negative deviations may
not recur in future.

VIII. Communication:
Communication is a means by which different persons are linked together in a group or
organization to attain a common goal. No group activity is possible without
communication. It enables the members to coordinate, to exchange and to make
progress. A good communication should aim at making everyone concerned aware of
the goal which the organization wants to achieve.
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The two main objectives of communication are to inform and to persuade.
Communication is the means by which behavior is modified, change is effected, and
goals are achieved. Communication is essential for effective control and motivation.
Scientific management, as the name implies, means the application of the scientific
method for the solution of the problems of management. In its application, the scientific
approach is used in meeting problems of all types instead of depending on tradition. In
view of the present day complexities and growing magnitude of management
responsibilities, scientific office management is perhaps the best solution. It does not
mean that office management is a pure science. It is the application of scientific
principles to management decision-making. In the words of Federick W. Taylor, the
father of Scientific Movement, “the scientific management means knowing exactly what
you want men to do and seeing that they do it in the best and cheapest way.” Scientific
management is characterized by a scientific method of attack in the solution of business
problems and the development of managerial techniques. It looks, considers and
evaluates customs and traditions, personal institution and experience, and inductive
deductive thinking.
Techniques of scientific management involve the following steps:
1. Setting up of standard tasks through scientific investigation and research (time,
motion and method of studies)
2. Analysis of operations to evolve the best method of doing the standard task.
3. Scientific selection of personnel and their training in the methods involved.
4. Standardization of materials, equipment and working environment for workers.
5. Introduction of specialization in the administrative and organizational set up.
6. Improvement of worker management relations through good faith, perfect
understanding and better incentive wage plans.
The principles and techniques of scientific management are equally applicable to office
management and lead to increase productivity of labour. Elimination of waste of all
types, whether men or materials is aimed at.
Elements of the Management:
The four elements of office management are:
1. Purpose : The office manager must be fully aware of the aims and objectives of
the organization in order to make correct decisions. If he knows the purpose of
office, he will provide direction to the office activities and thus make it easy to
evaluate the performance of different individuals.
2. Environment: The office environmental is not only the physical environment
but also the external factors such as the laws and customs of the community
within which the firm operates. Efficiency of office personnel depends upon the
perfect understanding of office environment. The environment is always
changing and the officer must take decisions accordingly.
3. Personnel : It is the most important element. The office manager must select
suitable personnel and place them in appropriate jobs. They must be given
proper training and then only they can increase their efficiency. To realize the
desired objective of the office, the personnel must be provided with sufficient
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 incentives to motivate them to contribute their efforts whole- heartedly.
4. Means : It is a tool and include materials, methods, machines and equipments
with the help of which office activities are performed by the office employees.
The office manager must know how to use these means in the best manner. The
best use of means leads of greater efficiency and effectiveness in the work.

Department:

Departmentation is the process which is used to group business activities into units for
the purpose of efficient administration at all levels. The process of organizing an
enterprise consists of (a) dividing and grouping the work to be done and (b) assigning
different duties and responsibility to different people. In other words, the total activities
of the business are divided into a number of functional departments, each entrusted with
a particular type of business activity. A large business house has, therefore, as many
sectional offices as there are functional or operating departments. It is difficult to
function for a business enterprise unless its activities are divided into group of
functions, for example, production, purchasing, financing, accounting etc. These
classified functions are performed by a group of specialized employees. A section is a
group of workers under one supervisor. There is a general office, under the control of
the Secretary, which co-ordinates the activities of the functional departments as well as
those of sectional offices.

Basis of Departmentation:
Different concerns follow different bases of departmentation depending upon their size
and nature of operations. The bases of departmentation usually followed by most
business enterprises are:
1. Product Basis: When a firm produces large number of products and the volume
of business done in each product is sufficiently large, then internal organization
may be formed on the basis of products handled or service rendered. One
department is in charge of one line of products. For instance, a firm dealing with
paints, chemicals,plastics and fertilizers, it may have four departments each
dealing with one product.
2. Geographical Basis: When an organization is large and geographically
dispersed, departmentation on territorial basis may be made. For instance, a
large Fan Manufacturing Company doing business in all the states of India may
have separate departments for each state.
3. Functional Basis: Most business enterprises, however, prefer to segregate their
departments on the basis of the major activities or functions of the enterprise,
viz. production, purchase, marketing, accounts etc. The various activities of the
business enterprise are divided into a number of functional departments. Thus
matters relating to production are dealt with by the production department,
matters relating to accounts by accounts department and so on.
4. Customer Basis: Under this basis of departmentation, activities are grouped

39
 according to the type of customers. For example, a large cloth store may be
divided into wholesale, retail and export divisions. Each department specializes
in serving a particular class of customers. For example, a large readymade store
may have a separate department each for women, men and children.
5. Process or Equipment Basis: Manufacturing activities may be sub-divided on
the basis of their process or production. For example, production department of a
textile mill may be divided on the basis of processes of production, like
designing, spinning, weaving, dyeing, bleaching etc.
Advantages of Departmentation:
1. An organization can avail benefits of specialization.
2. The efficiency of the management increases.
3. It is easy to fix accountability for the results.
4. Better control is facilitated.
5. It is easy to fix responsibility on workers.
6. It facilitates coordination.

The main purpose of the office is to provide efficient clerical work to the functional
departments and top management. For reasons of efficiency and economy and to secure
specialization, various activities to be performed by an office are divided into different
departments. Each department of the office performs a specific function and the clerical
staff attached to it becomes specialized in that particular function through constant
dealing with the same work. Thus departmentation leads to greater efficiency which
reduces the cost of office. Generally, a modern office has cash department, accounts
department, filling department, typing department, mail department etc.

Functions of an Office Manager :

1. Leadership : He has to control his office. The office manager is important for
the smooth running of the organization. He is in-charge of the public relations.
He helps other departments to achieve their goals. He has complete control over
the work done in the office.
2. Coordination : He has to select the persons- right persons for the right jobs.
a. He will have to work and carefully see that the policies laid down by the
management are implemented.
b. He is the connecting link between the top management and the workers.
Workers approach him for their grievances and difficulties and manager
has to redress them. If he is not able to do the needful, he must place it
before the management
c. He has to work and safeguard the firm, where he is an office manager.
d. His primary duty is to the management and secondary duty to the
workers. He must please both the parties. If either one of the parties is
annoyed or neglected , he will be regarded as a bed manager.
3. Recruitment of Staff : He has to select the right person for the right job. For
that he invites applications, conducts interviews and selects personnel.
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0
 4. Training of Staff: He provides training to the new employees as well as old
employees to improve their skill in the latest techniques of management.
5. Motivation : He measures the employees work and output and offers rewards
which increase their efficiency and ensure their better co-operation and lead to
the promotion of the staff.

6. Discipline: Discipline in the office depends upon him. The rules and principles
of the management should be followed by the sub-ordinates. He must have
ability to speak. New methods cannot be accepted, unless full explanation is
followed. He has to convince others about the fact findings.
7. Accounting : He has to keep a close touch with the accounting and costing
section.
8. Controls Stationary : He has to safeguard the furniture, fittings, machines ,
equipments and various types of records.
9. Secretarial Services: He maintains statutory and accounts books, holds
meetings, drafts reports and minutes etc. Thus he does the secretary’s functions.
10. Organizer and Supervisor: He organizes and supervises the office
correspondence, messenger services, communication system, filling and
indexing, protection of records etc. There is no hard and fast rule as to the
functions of an office manager. His functions depend upon the type and size of
the organization.
He has to face difficult situations very tactfully, and must have pleasing manners always
in dealing with critical positions and in suggesting suitable ideas. He must be tactful.

Office Organization :

An office organization involves the division of office activities into certain departments
as well as persons. The office manager defines, and assigns activities, so that they can
be most effectively executed. It means the determination and assignment of duties to the
workers, and also the establishment and the maintenance of authoritative relationship
among these grouped activities. Each department works in coordination with the other
departments. Organization is the backbone of the management. With proper care at all
levels, it is possible for the management to attain the aimed goal.
Further each department splits the job into many simple processes; and each process is
operated by a person. The sub-division of a sub-divided job makes the work simple,
easy to understand and quick to perform. The office may be divided on the basis of size
and nature of a concern. However, for big concerns there may be the following
departments :(1) Accounts Department, (2) Cash Department, (3) Correspondence
Department, (4) Purchase Department, (5) Sales Department, (6) Advertising
Department, (7) Filling (Record) Department etc. Further if the concern is very large,
there may be Credit Department, Personnel Department, etc. In practice, the principle of
division of labour to an office organization means the division of office (work) into as
many departments as necessary and each department is made responsible to increase the

31
1
sales. The purchase department is responsible for good purchase and is answerable if
bad quality of goods are purchased. The credit department is answerable if bad debt
increases, so on and so forth. Thus, the responsibility is being fixed on all departments.
In addition, a person, who deals in one item continuously, becomes an expert and
specialist. Through him better and quicker result is possible for the management.

Functions of office management, are quite interesting and important keeping in mind
the objective, and goal of different organizations. There is enough disagreement among
management writers on this classification. The terminology is also not always alike,
different authors offering different names for the same functions of management. But in
this unit it is clearly high lights on planning, organizing, staffing, directing, motivating,
coordinating, controlling and communication.
Further an attempt has been made and focused upon scientific office management which
implies the application of the scientific method for the solutions of the problems of all
types of management which leads to increased productivity of labour. Here it is
considered the basic elements of management i.e., purpose, environment, personnel and
means.
It is also described about departementation which is used to group business activities
and basis of departmentation drawing attention on product basis, geographical
basis,functional basis, customer basis and process or equipment basis. Besides it clearly
focuses upon the functions of office manager.

Key Terms :
 Office Management: Concerned with the performance of office function.
 Office Function: Represents the work the office is designed to perform.
 Planning: Deciding in advance what is to be done.
 Organizing : Process of so combining the work which individuals or groups have
to perform.
 Staffing: Selection of men for various jobs.
 Directing: Issues instructions to his subordinates indicating what it is that should
be done.
 Motivating: Stimulating individual to accomplish a desired goal.
 Coordinating: Means keeping the team by ensuring suitable allocation of tasks.
 Controlling: To evaluate performance and if necessary to apply corrective
measures.
 Office Manager: An executive who is in charge of a office to organize and
control of perform efficiently and effectively.
 Communication: It is a means by which persons are linked together to attain a
common goal.
 Scientific Management: Application of the scientific method for the solution of a
problem.

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2
 Departemntation: It is the process which is used to group business activities into
units for the purpose of efficient administration at all levels.
 Product Basis: It is the volume of business done in each product.
 Geographical Basis: It means territorial base of an organization.
 Functional Basis: Indicates the basis of major activities of functions of the
enterprise.
 Custom Basis: This indicates activities grouped according to the type of
customers.
 Process or Equipment Basis: Manufacturing activities sub-divided on the basis of
their process of production.

Model Questions:
1. State and explain the functions of an office Management?
2. What do you understand by “Office Management”? Discuss the functions of
modern office.
3. Discuss the role of office Manager and the important qualities you think he should
have?
4. Planning bridges the gap between the present and the future”. Explain?
5. Define office Management and explain in detail its functions?

34
 Accommodation and Environment
Learning Objectives

 Understand the importance of office accommodation

 Identify the good environment to establish an office
 Learn the types of interior decorations to be made in an office and how it reflects
towards employees coupled with security measure.

Structure :
Introduction to office accommodation
Principles
Location of Office
Site for location of the office building
Layout of the office and Objectives
3.6. Open office and private office
Office Environment
Office Lighting
Types of Lighting
Ventilation and Temperature
Interior Decoration
Office Furniture and Factor
Different types of Furniture
Modular and System Furniture
Security Equipments
Let’s Sum-up
Key Terms
Self Assessment Questions
Further Readings
Model Questions

Introduction :
Every Office Manager is concerned about getting office work performed with the
maximum efficiency and at minimum cost. But this would be possible only if he makes
a proper selection of employees, gives them proper training and guidance, and places
them in appropriate jobs. However, if the office staff is to work efficiently, it must be
properly accommodated, have a good working environment, and should be properly
equipped. Suitable accommodation, modern equipment and proper working conditions
are not in any way less important factors in improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The place of work and its surroundings are important factors which affect the efficiency

35
of employees to a large extent. Since the staff has to stay for long hours in the office,
and since it mainly does brain work and/or concentrates on the repetitive and
monotonous activities of filing, indexing, despatching, reporting, etc., its inefficiency
would normally be greater in those offices where accommodation is in sufficient and
the environment and working conditions are not congenial.

Principles :
While deciding about office accommodation, the Office Manager should bear the
following principles in mind:
(i) The office must be located at some convenient place so that it may serve the
entire organisation in the best possible manner.
(ii) Office space should be sufficient from the point of view of the present and future
needs of the organisation.
(iii)Due provision should be made for the conveniences and amenities required for the
comfort and well-being of the staff, e.g., Washing room, rest room, water coolers,
canteen, etc.
Service facilities like telephone, lift, internal communication, etc., should be available
in office, while others like banking, transport, market, post office, etc., should be
available near the office premises.

Location of Office :
Every Office Manager should give a full and proper consideration to a suitable location
for his office. This location or site is an important consideration because an unsuitable
location may result in a waste of resources and efforts and loss of time inconvenience to
the office staff as well as to the persons dealing with it. The problem of location arises
under one or the other of the following conditions:
(i) At the time of starting a business enterprise.
(ii) The increased volume of work may require a change of office location.
(iii)The facilities provided in the original locational plan are no longer sufficient for
the expanding business, and, therefore, the entire expansion of the existing office
or a new location is necessary.
(iv) The lease for the office premises has expired and the owner of the premises was
not prepared to renew it.
(v) Shifting of the business by the business enterprise from one place or one State to
another.

36
 The Office Building :
The problem of choosing the right location for the office premises is as complicated as
that of getting a proper and suitable building to accommodate it. The office building
should not only be of a proper size and shape, it should also be of such design as to
serve the particular needs of the enterprise. Often, it is rather difficult to get a building
which is exactly suited to the requirements of the organisation. The management should
try to obtain such premises which fulfill its requirements in the best possible manner.
The first thing the management has to decide about is whether to own the office
building or to rent it or lease it. Where should the constructed building be bought?
Should a plot of land be acquired and a building appropriate to the requirements of the
organization built upon it? If a
constructed building is bought, it may be adopted or altered according to the
requirements of the enterprise. The construction of one's own office building may be
necessitated in the following circumstances :
(i) When the business is large and well established;
(ii) When the demand for the procedures or services of the organisation is of a
relatively stable character;
(iii) When there is a cost advantage in the construction of the business premises;
(iv) When a specific type of building is required for office purposes; e.g., centrally
air- conditioned, sound-proof or specially constructed for housing computers,
etc.

Office Layout :
After acquiring the building for the office, the next important task before the Office
Manager is office space planning or office layout. According to Littlefield, "Office
layout may be defined as the arrangement of equipment within the available floor
space". It can be described as the arrangement of different departments, equipment and
men within a given floor space with a view to make optimum utilisation of space and
ensure maximum efficiency of the office.

Objectives of Layout
According to Mills and Standing ford, the layout of an office is the arrangement of
furniture, machines, etc., within the space available. Having regard to the limitations
imposed by the building, the objectives of an office layout are:
(i) The space should be used to the greatest extent;
(ii) Service should be available where needed including power and telephone;
(iii) Good working conditions should be provided for everyone;
(iv) The supervisor should be able to see the staff at work;

37
(v) A sense of belonging and loyalty to the working group should be fostered;
(vi) Communication and work flow should be facilitated;
(vii) The movement of clerks between desks, filing cabinets, etc., should be made easy;
(viii) Noisy and distracting operations should be segregated;
(ix) Mutual interference between clerks should be avoided;
(x) Privacy and security should be provided, wherever necessary.'

Open and Private Offices :

Open Offices
In planning the general office, one of the major decisions to be made is in regard to the
provision of separate rooms for the different departments or sections, or for bringing
them together into one large room or "open office". The modern tendency is to adopt
the open office instead of accommodating departments or sections in separate
apartments. An open office refers to a large room where all the departments, men and
equipment are housed under a single room without partitions or walls separating them.
Each department-or-section is allotted a separate space in the same room, which is often
demarcated by placing filing cabinets between them. One or more gangways throughout
the whole floor may be provided and desks may be arranged facing one way so as to
facilitate supervision and easy access. It should be noted, however, that private offices
are provided for top executives whose work calls for secrecy and concentration.
Advantages of Open Offices: Open offices offer the following advantages:
(1) Economical: Since unnecessary partitions and corridors are avoided, open
offices make better utilisation of office space possible. It is a common
experience that nearly 25 to 33 per cent of the office space is taken up by walls
and partitions. Open offices enable the management to effect savings in rent and
reductions in the cost of office operations.
(2) Better Lighting and Ventilation: With the removal of unnecessary walls and
partitions, open offices allow a free flow of air and natural light, which step up
the efficiency of the office staff.
(3) Better Supervision; Open offices encourage better work through better
supervision and easier operation. Only a few supervisors are required to
supervise the staff. The worker faces the supervisor and therefore he cannot
waste time without being found out.
(4) Better Communication: Open offices facilitate better inter-departmental
communication. A worker is not required to go to another room for consultation,
advice or instruction. It also facilitates better coordination of office activities.

38
 (5) Flexibility: There is a greater flexibility in planning the layout of an open office,
which ensures a more effective placement of office machines and equipment.
Further, changes in the layout can be effected without much difficulty.
(6) Other Advantages: The other advantages of an open office are:
(a) In an open office, the sharing of machines and equipment becomes possible;
(b) In an open office the cost of decoration, cleaning and maintenance is lower;
(c) It wears a smarter look and, to that extent, is an advertisement for the
organisation itself;
(d) It makes for a democratic set-up because all grades of staff are placed in the
same room;
(e) It makes better working conditions possible.

Private Offices
Private offices are small rooms or cubicles which are separated from similar other
rooms or the open office by full or half partitions. Private offices are allotted to the top
executives of the organisation. Sometimes a private office accommodation is provided
for a group of people whose work is of a confidential nature, it may also be allotted for
work which should be isolated in order to eliminate noise, e.g., accounting and
statistical work.
Advantages of Private Offices : The advantages of private offices are:
(1) Greater privacy is ensured for confidential work and discussions.
(2) They promote a personal atmosphere and lend a sense of prestige or importance to
the concerned staff.
(3) They increase the efficiency of the workers by facilitating concentration of mind
which is possible because of the absence of noise.
(4) They are more congenial and less regimented.
(5) There can be better ventilation and heating/cooling [Link] are also
preferred on grounds' of health.

Office Environment :
Office environment has an important bearing on the efficiency of employees. An office
may be properly laid-out and the best type of furniture and equipment may be installed
in it; but its efficiency may be very low if the physical working conditions are not good.
Since office work is mainly mental work which is more fatiguing than physical work,
adverse physical conditions increase the mental strain on the staff. The emotional
response of workers is better if the environment is good.
According to Terry "An individual's performance is significantly conditioned by the

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environment in which he works. The cumulative effect of his total work environment is
a strong determinative of how well he marshals his abilities and skills, his attitude
towards his work and his colleagues, and his enthusiasm for his work." An office
manager should therefore, arrange for good working conditions, if he expects his staff
to work efficiently. Office environment comprises of the following:
(i) Office Lighting;
(ii) Ventilation and Temperature Control;
(iii) Interior Decoration and Furnishing; .
(iv) Office Furniture;
(v) Freedom from Noise and Dust;
(vi) Safety from physical hazards;
(vii) Sanitary Arrangements;
(viii) Security;
(ix) Secrecy.
The above components of office environment are discussed in the following paragraphs;

Office Lighting :
Lighting is perhaps the most important of office physical conditions. Probably the best
way to grasp the importance of lighting to office management is to realise that virtually
every office task is a seeing task. Since office work is mostly paperwork adequate
lighting should be provided in any modern office. "Office lighting should make possible
more than mere seeing; it should make it possible for the worker to see what he is doing
- clearly, quickly and accurately." Less than adequate lighting results in delays, and
mistakes; delays, because it takes longer to read in poor light: mistakes because the
visual image is indistinct, instead of sharp and clear. Moreover, it causes overstrain,
fatigue and headache to workers. Similarly, excessive lighting also causes eye strain and
irritation, besides causing inferior quality work. Psychologically, inadequate lighting
results in loss of morale, which will eventually cause a decrease in the quantity of work
performed. Adequate system of lighting must possess certain well-defined
characteristics, sufficiently quantity, intensity and no glare and no contrast:

Types Of Lighting System :

Lighting systems consist of the following five types:
1. Direct: In this type of lighting, approximately 90-100 per cent of the light is directs
downward to the working surface. This system makes use of some shade on, or reflector
for the source of light. It provides a good intensity of light. At the same time, however,
it casts dark shadows around and raises a direct and reflected glare which causes eye
strain to the workers.

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0
2. Semi-direct: In this system, a transparent or translucent shade is used which directs
60 to 80 per cent of the light downward; the remaining light is directed upward and is
reflected from the ceiling.
This system is an improvement on direct lighting, for 'it avoids dark shadows on the
ceiling and eliminates glare.
3. Indirect: In this system, 90 to 100 per cent of the light is directed towards the ceiling
or walls and is then diffused and reflected downward on the work surface. This system
provides light which is soft, avoids shadows and glare and does not cause eye strain.
However, this system 01 lighting is good for general illumination, not for office work.
4. Semi-indirect: In this system, a transparent or translucent shade, shade bowl, cover
or reflector is placed under the lamp so that 20 to 40 per cent of the light may be
directly diffused downward on the working surface and 60 to 80 per cent of the light
may be directed towards the ceiling and walls which is then reflected downward to the
working surface. This form of lighting is
intermediate between direct lighting and indirect lighting.
5. General Diffuse: In this system, an equal amount of light is diffused directly and
indirectly by its reflection from ceiling and walls. This system gives more light with the
same wattage than the semi-indirect lighting system does.

Ventilation and Temperature Control :

Ventilation in the office refers to the supply of clean and fresh air in the right amount, at
the right temperature and of the right humidity.
Proper ventilation is an important aspect of office environment. Fresh air must pass
through the office regularly. This is possible only when the office premises are properly
ventilated. In the absence of proper ventilation, air becomes stale, causes headache,
fatigue and restlessness to the employees. On the one hand, lack of proper ventilation
makes a person feel sleepy and unduly tired and adversely affects his health. On the
other hand, too much cold or hot air is also not desirable. Arrangements of rooms and
partitions should be such as allow a free circulation of fresh and dustless air. In cold
areas or months, it is necessary to keep out too much cold air, while in the hot areas or
months, hot and humid air has to be kept out. The following methods are generally used
to maintain a proper ventilation:

1. Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation may be obtained by providing enough doors, windows and
ventilators of the right type at the right places. They would ensure a regular flow of
fresh air from the outside and of stale air from the inside. Natural ventilation can be
increased by providing roof ventilators and internal tube ventilators.
2. Artificial Ventilation
Artificial ventilation may be achieved by the use of electric fans, exhaust fans, air
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coolers, air filters, etc.
Electric fans are used to circulate air because air circulation is much better than
stagnant air.
Exhaust fans: These fans expel the stagnant air from the room. They are a very
effective measure of ventilation. Exhaust fans must be provided in toilets, basements,
crowded rooms, canteens, machine rooms, workshops, etc., so that the warm air is let
out and fresh air enters through windows and doors.
Air coolers have also become very popular in offices. They draw in the air which place
through water vapour and becomes cool. They are especially useful during the dry parts
of the summer; but in the wet and warm parts of the year, they become "useless because
they cool air through the process of moistening it".
Room heaters may be provided during the winter to keep the temperature of the
workplace above the atmospheric temperature. Air filters may be used to ensure that
the outside air which enters the room becomes dust-free and clean.

3. Air conditioning
Air-conditioning is usually the most suitable from of ventilation. It contributes to
mental activity and boosts the' efficiency of employees. It is a costly system, but it
eliminates the problems of cleanliness, heat and ventilation, humidity and noise, etc. An
air conditioning system controls the circulation, temperature and humidity of air and
removes foreign substances of an enclosed area.
4. Modular Design Equipment
Some equipment have a modular construction starting with a fan unit, to which other
units or modules can be added such as air purifiers, air sterilisers, air curtains and
humidifiers, as required to provide for proper ventilation.

Interior Decoration and Furnishing :

Interior decoration may be described as the art of a careful decoration of the interior of a
room or a building. It has been found that an attractive decor not only adds to the
appearance of a room, but has a psychological effect on the people working in it.
Interior decoration involves:
(i) A tasteful colouring of walls, doors and windows;
(ii) Placing of attractive art objects, pictures, paintings and informative charts on the
walls;
(iii) Floor covering, curtains and wall hangings, etc.
Interior decoration stimulates better performance on the part of workers and creates a
better impression on the minds of outsiders. According to G. Mills: "The decoration of
an office can have a noticeable effect upon the morale of the staff. Drab surroundings

41
are depressing, pleasant surrounding as are conductive to good work".'

Office Furniture :
After deciding the layout of office accommodation and its decoration, it is necessary to
turn to the furniture that is to be put in it. Office work is mostly indoor desk work,
suitable furniture should therefore, be provided for office clerks so that they may be
comfortable enough to perform office work speedily and efficiently. Office furniture is
the basic facility with which the employee identifies himself. It is the duty of the office
manager, therefore, to provide the right type of furniture in the office. It has been
increasingly realised now that furniture is bought not only for its utility, but also for its
appearance, and that its artistic design is worth paying for; it makes the office look more
attractive, and appeals to the office workers who must use it." Modern and eloquently
designed furniture not only improves the general efficiency of the employees, but adds
to the prestige of the organisation as well. At the same time, furniture should be viewed
as a long- term investment, for it is often difficult to make quick replacements because
of the heavy cost involved in them.
The usual furniture found in any modern office includes desks, chairs and tables, racks,
cabinets, cupboards, lockers, safe, trays, almirahs, etc. The number of pieces and the
kind of furniture to be purchased for any office depend on various factors:
(i) The number of departments and employees;
(ii) The nature and volume of work to be performed; and
(iii) The office space available for their suitable accommodation.
Factors: In selecting the furniture and other equipment to be used for a specific job.
The following six questions" should be considered:
(i) Is the working area adequate?
(ii) Can the clerk work comfortably?
(iii) Can the clerk use both hands?
(iv) Can the job be supervised?
(v) Is the work adequately protected against dust, loss or damage?
(vi) Is there suitable provision for the clerk's personal effects?"

Different Types of Furniture :

Desk: Most office work is handled on a desk, over a desk, through a desk or across a
desk. Anything that improves the handling of desk work or which enables employees to
work more effectively is, therefore, worth considering. The primary function of any
desk is to provide a suitable surface for writing, checking, sorting, examining and
conferring. Office machines are kept on desks in a proper position. They provide
storage space for supplies, stationery and the papers and files that are in use.
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 "Modern office methods are based on the 'clear desks' concept which aims at each
person having on his desk only the actual work in hand, all other papers being filed
away in their proper place, where people who need them can find them. Flat top desks
are therefore, now the rule, and the roll-top desk with its hiding places is out of favour.
Even the necessity for providing drawers in the desks of the general office staff is
questioned in some quarters, where it is asserted that drawers are used only to hold
personal belongings, old papers for which proper filing provision should be made, and
jobs put-off from day-to-day. On the other hand, those who continually require certain
forms or certain papers should have their supplies right at hand such as the typist and
executives." Although it is necessary that each clerk should be provided with a desk
which is suitable for his particular job, it is neither economical nor necessary to use
more than a small number of designs. Moreover, the use of standardised and uniform
desks gives a harmonious look to the office. On the basis of their use, the following
types of desks may be provided.
1. Executive Desks: Executive desks are made in accordance with the taste of the
executive, and are valued mostly for their good looks. Their purpose is to impress
visitors and bring home to them the prestige and importance of persons using them.
These are, generally speaking, double pedestal desks with a width of 150 cms. to 180
cms. a depth of 85 cms. and a height of 75cms. Each desk contains 3 or 4 drawers on
the side the executive sits. Sharp edges and corners are avoided. The table top is
covered with linoleum, glass or leather. Some executives prefer to have the entire
surface covered with glass, while others cover only the writing area. If the top-glass is
used, telephone numbers, visitors cards, etc., are placed under it.
2. Special Purpose Desks: These are designed for special use in offices and include the
typist's desks calculating machine desks, collating desks, and so on. A typist's desk is
the most common and perhaps the most important of this type and may be of the
following types:"
(a) Standard flat topped, single or double pedestal;
(b) Desk with a fixed sunken well for the typewriter;
(c) Desk fitted with a collapsible well into which the typewriter is fixed;
(d) Desk with a fold-away mechanism, which enables the typist to house the typewriter
in a cupboard provided in the pedestal of the desk, leaving a clear desk top for
ordinary clerical work.
These desks are normally of 150 cms. width, 65 cms. in depth and 70 cms. to 75 cms. in
height. Apart from these, L-shaped and Z-shaped modular desks may also be used for
typing purposes.
Machine desks are designed to meet the needs of different types of machines -
calculating, adding, billing and invoicing machines. A well is provided at either end of
the desk for the machine so that it sits lower than the standard desk height.

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3. Built-in Furniture: Floor space can be conserved by the use of built-in or of
collapsible furniture. Fitted furniture not only saves space, but economy is achieved in
the material used for its construction. Permanent fixtures can be tailored to fit into wall
recesses.
4. General Clerical Desks: There are mostly single pedestal desks of 120 cms. by 75
cms. with three or four drawers on one side. In some' offices, double pedestal desks are
provided for the clerical staff.

Modular or System Furniture :

In Western countries, modular furniture has become very popular. Modular or system
furniture provides greater desk area and takes up the minimum floor space. Inter-
locking desk furniture, for example, offers as much as 25 per cent more desk area, and
effects a saving of up to 33 per cent in
floor space.

The greatest advantage of modular furniture is that it costs less per square foot of
working area. But while it undoubtedly saves floor space, it suffers from one great
limitation, viz., that it encourages talking among clerks or workers. But this difficulty
can be overcome by erecting screens between individual desk units. A model of
modular furniture is given in the following figure

(Fig.: 1 Modular furniture)

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 Security Equipment :

One of the vital functions of a modern office is to keep and preserve documents and
records for future guidance or reference. All documents or records of office should
therefore, be kept under proper security. No record or document should be taken out of
the office premises by any person without permission from his superior officer. Security
measures, however, vary from
organisation-to-organisation. In some organisations - in military or defence production,
for example - outsiders are not permitted to enter the main premises without the prior
approval of the Administrative Officer. Even if permitted, they have to deposit their
bags or containers at the gate against tokens. Similarly, in the strong rooms of banks, no
outsider is allowed to enter. But this kind of security measures are not applied to other
organisations, though care is taken to prevent any possibility of theft, removal or
destruction of office records. All office records, however, do not enjoy the same
importance. Important and valuable documents such as share certificates, debentures,
deposit receipts, title deeds, bills of exchange, promissory notes, contracts, cheque
books, registration documents, etc., are kept in office safes or bank lockers. Other
documents like office files, correspondence, etc., are kept in safe places so that
outsiders may not have access to them. For a proper security of official documents or
records, it is necessary that the responsibility of particular employees should be fixed.
They should be held responsible for any loss of official records or documents under
their charge. In addition, the following modern security equipments as available for
office as security device shallbe installed which is listed below :
Security Equipments
1. CCTV Cameras
2. Fire Alarm System
3. Spy Pen Camera
4. Intrusion System
5. Visitor Management System
6. Guard Monitoring System
7. Customised Security System
8. Security Surveillance System
9. Biometric Access Control System
10. Mobile Based Security System
11. Biometric Time Management System

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Office Environment: People work better if they are given the surroundings and
equipment appropriate to their work. Office environment comprises of several things
like office lighting, ventilation, temperature control, interior decoration and furnishing,
office furniture, freedom from noise and dust, safety, sanitary arrangements, security
and secrecy.
Office Lighting: The characteristics of office lighting are:
(1) Intensity, (2) Sufficient quantity, (3) No glare, and (4) No contrasts. There are five
types of lighting systems.
(1) Direct. (2) Semi-direct. (3) Indirect, (4) Semi-indirect and (5) General diffuse.
Lighting may be:
(i) Natural or (ii) Artificial. Artificial lighting may be fluorescent or incandescent.
Ventilation; Ventilation in the office refers to the supply of clean and free air in the
right amount, at the right temperature and of the right humidity. Proper ventilation is an
important aspect of office environment. Ventilation may be natural or artificial.
Artificial ventilation may be provided through: (1) Electric fans, (2) Exhaust fans, (3)
Air coolers, (4) Room heaters, (5) Air filters, (6) Air conditioners, etc., provision should
also be made for temperature heating and cooling and maintaining adequate level of
humidity in the office.
Interior Decoration: It is the art of careful decoration of the interior of a room of a
building and involves a proper choice of furniture. In selecting furniture, therefore, the
following points should be borne in mind:

It involves:

(i) Attractive and modern furniture influence morale;

(ii) Suitability for the work to be done;

(iii) Suitable design and construction of the furniture;

(iv) Adaptability of furniture to multipurpose use;

(v) Good quality;

(vi) Sufficient quantity;

(vii) Reasonable cost;

(viii) Light weight;

(ix) Safety in use; and

(x) Minimum fire risk.

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Office furniture includes different types of desks, tables, chairs, fittings and accessories,
and may be wood or steel, or it may be modular or system furniture.
Security: Security arrangements include ;
(i) Fire precaution; (ii) employment of security guards; and (iii) Control of employees
by taking out fidelity guarantee insurance for them, by reference checking and by
obtaining cash or bond security from them.

Key Terms :
 Office environment : Conducive surrounding including both inside and outside.

 Location: Representing a site or place.

 Lease : Contract letting for a term.

 Layout : Space planning within the available floor space.

 Office Building: a Plot of land acquired appropriate to the requirements of the

organization built upon it.

 Glare : An oppressive or unrelieved dazzling light or by light reflecting off a

terminal.

 Ventilation : Refers the supply of clean and fresh air.

 Exhaust fan: It is the fan that expels the stagnant air from the room.

 Air Cooler: The air which place through water vapour and becomes cool.

 Room heater: Refers the temperature of the work place above the atmospheric
temperature.

 Air conditioning: To equip a building bringing of the air to the desired state of
purity, temperature and humidity.

 Modular : Some equipment which have units or modules.

 Interior decoration: Careful decoration of a room or building having attraction.

 Wall hanging: Refers paintings and art objects.

 Furnishing: Fittings with furniture, carpets curtains etc.

 Biometric : Finger impression or rating scan.

 Fire Alarm : An indicator of fire.

Spy pen : Short recording of Interactions used for personal protection.

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Model questions :
1. You have been asked by your employer to choose an office location. What
factors will you consider un doing so?
2. Briefly indicate the objectives of office layout and the principles on which it
should be based.
3. Discuss the various factors affect office location?
4. Explain the importance of good working environment for staff. Discuss the
consideration your will take into account while planning for office lighting,
ventilation and furnishings.
5. “Good-working conditions in an office are prerequisite for increasing the
efficiency of office staff.” Examine the statement discussing the reasons. Also
state the factors contributing to good working conditions.

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