Defining Top Management Roles
Defining Top Management Roles
Introduction
E F L Brench (1957)
‘Deciding what should be done and getting others to do it.’ Rosemary Stewart
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Negotiator
Leadership and management must go hand in hand. They are not the same
thing. But they are necessarily, and complimentary. Any effort to separate
the two is likely to cause more problems than it solves.
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In his 1989 book “On Becoming a Leader,” Warren Bennis composed a list of
the differences:
Leader Manager
innovates administers
An original copy /imitates
Focuses on people Focuses on systems and structure
Inspires trust Relies on control
Has long-range perspectives Has short-range perspective
Ask what and why Ask how and when
Eye is on the horizon Eye always is on the bottom line
Challenges the status quo Accepts status quo
Is his/her own person Classic good soldier
Does the right thing Does things right
Organisation
A group (of two or more people who are) working together towards a common
goal or objective over a certain period of time.
Management is not an activity that exists in its own right. These activities
have generally been grouped in terms of planning, organising, motivating and
controlling activities.
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These are in case of academic one that sometimes won’t applicable in case of
management like anyone can become manager wit hout any specific
qualification or period of learning. It doesn’t need any certificate of practice.
These are not in forcible under any law. If we come to practical approach of
profession, which is very close to practice of management. By these we can
know the roles of profession manager as:
As Drucker (1955) first put it, over forty years ago management is concerned
with the ‘systematic organisation of economic resources’ and its task is to
make these resources productive. Management is a description of a variety
of activities (functions) carried out by those members of organisations
whose role is that of a ‘manager,’ i.e. someone who either has formal
responsibility for the work of one or more persons in the organisation, or
who is accountable for specialist advisory duties in support of key
management activities. These activities have generally been grouped in
terms of planning, organising, motivating and controlling activities.
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Plans have to be put into operation. This involves detailed organisation and
coordination of tasks and the human and material resources needed to
carry them out. A key issue here is that of formal communication.
Controlling
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[Link] is considered as the "Father of scientific management" and his contributions mark a new
era in Modern Management Thought. The concepts propounded by him have an impact on
management service practice as well as on management thought up to the present day.. Taylor
formalized the principles of scientific management,and the fact-finding approach put forward and
largely adopted was a replacement for what had been the old rule of thumb.
He also developed a theory of organizations , which has been largely accepted by subsequent
Management Philosophers
The development of a science for each element of a man's work to replace the old rule-of-
thumb methods.
The scientific selection, training and development of workers instead of allowing them to
choose their own tasks and train themselves as best they could.
The development of a spirit of hearty cooperation between workers and management to
ensure that work would be carried out in accordance with scientifically devised procedures
The division of work between workers and the management in almost equal shares, each
group taking over the work for which it is best fitted instead of the former condition in which
responsibility largely rested with the workers. Self-evident in this philosophy are organizations
arranged in a hierarchy, systems of abstract rules and impersonal relationships between staff.
This required an organization theory similar for all practical purposes to that advocated by those
organizational theorists who followed. These theorists developed principles of management which
included much of Taylor's philosophy
Taylor's Philosophy though gained immense popularity, was also widely criticised on three grounds.
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Nevertheless, Taylor's theory and principles have exercised considerable influence on modern
management thought. His emphasis on use of scientific methods in solving work-related problems is
widely accepted by modern experts on management. Taylor's impact has been so great because he
developed a concept of work-measurement, production control and other functions, that completely
changed the nature of industry. Before scientific management, such departments as work-study,
personnel, maintenance and quality control did not exist.
"Scientific Management focuses on job-productivity at the shop floor, in particular upon techniques
that could be used on manual workers. Scientific management principles continue to be widely
applied today. In a typical manufacturing orgnization one will see scientific managment ideas and
techniques being applied to the shop floor, and bureaucratic principles of organization being used in
the office areas".*
1. Division of Labour
Reduces the span of attention or effort for any one personal for any
one person or group. Develops practice and familiarity.
2. Authority
3. Discipline
4. Unity of command
5. Unity of direction
One head and one plan for a group of activities with the same
objective.
The interest of individual or one group should not prevail over the
general good.
7. Remuneration
8. Centralisation
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9. Scalar chain
10. Order
A place for everything and everything in its place; the right man in the
right place.
11. Equity
13. Initiative
Fayol’s General Principles have been adopted by the later followers of the
classical school such as Urwick and Brech. Present theorist, however,
would not find much of substance in these precepts. From our present day
view point, the following general comments may be made:
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CO-ORDINATION
MEANING
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under them. The purpose of co-ordination is to create team work and harmony in the
enterprise. It is the blending of human efforts in order to achieve better organization goals.
Co-ordination crease a mental awareness among all employees and their efforts are directed
in unison. An organization is like a human body. As various parts o the body combine
together to do a work, similarly the different segments of the organization should work in
unison so that task is completed in a better way.
DEFINITIONS
A number of authors have defined co-ordination differently. The views of some of them are
given here in order to know its exact nature.
HENRY FAYOL: "To co-ordinate is to harmonize all the activities of a person in order to
facilitate its working and its success." Co-ordination is necessary to enable a person to
improve his functioning. Without co-ordination, working cannot be harmonized.
ORDWAY TEAD: "Co-ordination is the effort to assure a smooth interplay of the functions
and forces of all the different component parts of an organization to the end that its purpose
win be realize with minimum of friction and maximum of collaboration effectiveness." The
purpose of the co-ordination is to synchronize the functions of various departments for
achieving organizational goals with minimum efforts.
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managers feel some difficulties then they will explain it and mutually accepted
decisions will resolve the differences. Co-ordination can certainly be achieved at
planning stage. According to Mary. Follett, planning stage is the ideal time to bring
about co-ordination and they must see to it that various plans are properly inter-
related.
2. Through Organization: Co-ordination is an essential part of organization. Money
considers co-ordination as the very essence of organization. When a manager groups
and assigns various activities to subordinates, the thought of co-ordination will be
upper most in this mind. The related activities are placed together to avoid delays &
confusions.
3. Through Directing: When a manager directs his subordinates he will be coordinating
their work. He will give them directions, guidelines and instructions for doing a job
assigned to them. He will direct in such a way that the achievement of overall
organizational objectives is ensures
4. Through Controlling: The manager is required to control the work of everyone in the
organization so that all efforts are directed towards main goals. There may be
instances when performance of subordinates is not up to the mark or it is not in the
direction in which it should have been. The manager will take corrective measures as
and when required.
5. Through Staffing: The staffing function can also help in proper coordination. While
staffing, the manager should keep in mind the nature of jobs and the type of persons
required for managing, them. He should- ensure the right number of executives in
various positions for proper performance of their functions. The executives are of such
a .quality or are given such a training that they are able to co-operate and co-ordinate
their efforts.
6. Through proper communication: Effective communication is of utmost importance
for achieving better co-ordination. There should be a regular flow of information among
various persons so that they are given required information for proper co-ordination.
The personal contact is the most effective type of communication. Other methods like
reports, procedures, bulletins, etc., can also be used properly.
An analysis of the above definitions indicates that co-ordination has certain characteristics.
They are,
1.
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the acceptance of and commitment to policies and makes their implementation more
effective.
11. Climate of mutual trust and collaboration: Fostering of a climate of mutual trust and
collaboration is also a coordinating mechanism. MARY PARKER FOLLET suggests
that co-ordination cannot be achieved merely by giving orders or commands because
they invariably lead to opposition loss of pride and irresponsibility .Her solution is to
"depersonalize" the giving of orders, to unite all concerned in a study of the situation
and obey that, "One person should not give orders to another person but both should
agree to take their orders from the situation."
12. Indoctrination: Indoctrinating organizational members with the goals and mission of
the organization, a device used commonly in religious and military organizations, is
still another coordinating device.
1. Early start: There should be co-ordination even in the early stages of planning and
policy-making. For example, there should be mutual consultation among the
concerned officials while preparing the plan itself.
2. Direct contact: Co-ordination is easier by direct personal contract among the
people concerned. One special advantage of direct personal contact is that the
concerned persons can avoid misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
3. Continuity: Co-ordination is the basis of an organization structure and so long as
the enterprise continues to function, co-ordination is a must Co-ordination must start
from the stage of planning and should go on all the time as it is a continuous
process.
4. Dynamism: There may be changes in the external environment which influences
the activities of the business. Further, internal actions and decision may be changed
or altered depending upon circumstances. In view of this, co-ordination to modified to
suit the changes in the external environment and internal actions and decisions. In
other words, co-ordination should not be rigid.
5. Simplified organization: Another principle which facilitated effective co- ordination
is the simplified organization structure. The management may consider a
rearrangement or reorganization of departments in order to have better co-ordination
among the departmental heads.
6. Clear-cut objectives: Another requisite for securing effective co ordination in an
enterprise is the clear-cut objective. The manager of different departments should be
clearly explained the objectives of the enterprise and also they should be prevailed
upon to work for the achievement of the common objective of the enterprise. A clear-
cut objective and its effective communication to the heads of different departments is
bound to produce uniformity of action.
7. Gear definition of authority and responsibility: A clear definition of authority and
responsibility for each individual and department also facilitates effective co-
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PLANNING
Need for planning: The need for planning in business arises because of a number of
factors or reasons. Those factors or reasons are:
These forces of challenges can be met by management only through proper planning.
Business activities without proper planning are likely to be ineffective, and may fail to
achieve success. So, planning is a must for every business organization. In fact, the maxim
in management is "First plan your work, and then work your plan".
Definitions
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In other words of Koontz and O'Donnell, "Planning is deciding in advance what to do, how
to do, when to do it and who is to do it. Planning bridges the gap from where we are, to
where we want to go. It makes it possible for things to occur which would no otherwise
happen”.
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13. Action oriented: Planning is action-oriented. That is, planning should be undertaken
in the light of organizational preferences. The course of action determined must be
realistic. That is it should be neither impossible nor too easy to achieve.
14. Inter-dependent process: Planning is an inter-dependent process. It requires the
Co-operation of the various sections and sub-sections of the organization.
15. Involves participation: Planning involves the participation of all the managers as
well as the subordinates. In the words of Koontz and O'Donnell, "Plans must be
formulated in an atmosphere of close participation and high degree of concurrence".
16. A means, and not an end: Planning is riot an end. It is only a means to achieve an
end. i.e., the accomplishment of the pre-determined objectives or goals of the
organization.
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Principles of Planning
A number of fundamental principles have been devised over the year for guiding managers
undertaking planning. Some of these principles are discussed as under,
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Limitations of Planning
1. Lack of Reliable Data: Planning is based on various facts and figures supplied to
the planners. If the data on which decisions are base are not reliable then decisions
base on such information will also be unreliable.
2. Time Consuming Process: Practical utility of planning is sometimes reduce? by
the time factor. Planning is a time consuming process and actions on various
operations may be delayed because proper planning has not yet been done. Under
certain circumstances an urgent action is needed then one cannot wait for the
planning process to complete.
3. Expensive: The planning process is very expensive. The gathering of information
and testing of various courses of action involve greater amounts of money.
Sometimes, expenses are so prohibitive that small concerns cannot afford to use
planning
4. External factors may reduce Utility: Besides internal factors these are external
factors too which adversely affect planning. These factors may be economic, social,
political, technological or legal. The general national and international climate also
acts as limitation on the planning process.
5. Sudden Emergencies: In case certain emergencies arise then the need of the hour
is quick action and not advance planning. These situations may not be anticipated.
In case emergencies are anticipated or they have regularity in occurrence then
advance planning should be undertaken for emergencies too.
6. Resistance to Change: Most of the persons, generally, do not like any change.
Their passive outlook to new ideas becomes a limitation to planning. McFarland
writes, "The principal psychological barrier is that the future. The present is not only
more certain than the future, it is also more desirable. Resistance to change is
commonly experienced phenomenon in the business world. Planning often implies
changes which the executive would like to ignore, hoping they would not
materialize."
Planning Process
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Planning process involves the setting up of business objectives and allocation of resources
for achieving them. Planning determines the future course of action for utilizing various
resources in a best possible way. It is a combination of information handling and decision
making systems based on information inputs, outputs and a feedback loop.
1. Recognising Need for Action: The first step in planning process is the awareness
of business opportunity and the need for taking action. Present and future
opportunities must be found so that planning may be undertaken for them. The trend
of economic situation should also be visualized. Before venturing into new areas the
pros and cons of such projects should be evaluated. A beginning should be made
only after going through a detailed analysis of the new opportunity.
2. Gathering Necessary Information: Before actual planning is initiated relevant facts
and figures are collected. All information relating to operations of the business
should be collected in detail. The type of customers to be dealt with, the
circumstances under which goods are to be provided, value of products to the
customers, etc. should be studied in detail. The facts and figures collected will help
in framing realistic plans.
3. Laying Down Objectives: Objectives are the goals which the management tries to
achieve. The objectives are the end products and all energies are diverted to
achieve these goals. Goals are a thread which bind the whole company. Planning
starts with the determination of objectives.
4. Determining Planning Premises: Planning is always for uncertain future. Though
nothing may be certain in the coming period but still certain assumptions will have to
be made for formulating plans. Forecasts are essential for planning even if all may
not prove correct. A forecast means the assumption of future events. The behaviour
of certain variables is forecasted for constituting planning premises. Forecasts will
generally be made for the following:
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Implementation of principal plan. For example, once production plan is decided then
a number of plans for procurement of raw materials, purchase of plant and
equipment, recruitment of personnel will be required. All secondary plans will be a
part of the main plan.
8. Implementation of Plans: The last step in planning process is the implementation
part. The planning should be put into action so that business objectives may be
achieved. The implementation will require establishment of policies, procedures,
standards and budgets. These tools will enable a better implementation of plans.
Types of Plans
Standing or repeated-use plans are plans which are to be used repeatedly (i.e., over
and over again) over a long period of time for tackling frequently recurring problems
and issues. They give ready-made answers to issues which occur again and again.
Standing plans serve as guideline for managerial decision-making and actions. They
make managerial decisions and actions easy and increase managerial efficiency, as
they offer standard procedures for tackling similar and frequently recurring problems
and issues.
(a) Objectives
(b) Policies
(c) Procedures
(d) Methods
(e) Rules
(f) Strategies
2. Financial plans and Non-financial Plans: Financial plans or cash plans are plans
which relate to the monetary or financial resources of the concern. They determine
the sources from which finance can be secured and the amounts which can be
allocated to various purposes.
Non-financial plans or non cash plans are plans which relate the physical resources,
and not to financial resources, and for the concern. It may be rioted that through
financial plans are more important than non-financial plans. It is as Important as
financial plans.
3. Formal Plans & Informal Plans: Formal plans are plans which are reduced to black
and white (i.e., put on paper). In other words1 formal plans are plans which specify
in writing the specific objectives to be achieved and the steps to be taken to achieve
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those objectives. Formal plans are systematic and rational. They are quite
necessary for the successful running of a concern.
Specific plans are plans for specified or particular purposes. Preparation of specific
plans js a difficult task, because the methods to be de~eril1ined for specific
purposes have to be specially planned and formulated.
Routine plans ware plans which are routine or mechanical are called routine plans.
Preparation of routine plans is not difficult. In the case of the routine plans, the
methods determined for accomplishing the objectives of the organization will remain
the same during a particular period without major changes
5. Administrative plans & Operative plans: Administrative plans are plans which
determine the basis of action for the whole organization as well as for the various
segments of the organization for a particular period. Administrative plans are done
by the middle- level management, and they provide guidelines for operative plans.
Operative plans are plans which are concerned with the actual execution of day-to-
day operations of the concern. Operative plans are, generally, for a short period.
They are prepared by the lower level of management who put the administrative
plans into action. Operative or operating plans cover aspects, such as preparation of
sales programme, planning of production activities, etc.
6. Short-range plans & Long-range plans: Short range plans are plans which,
generally, cover a period of one year. Short range or short term plans are concerned
with the determination of short term activities to accomplish long term objectives. As
short term plans are intended to achieve long term objectives, short range plans
have to be consistent with long range plans. Short range plans are more action-
oriented, more detailed, specific and quantitative.
Long range plans which cover a period of years or more. The length of the period
varies from one concern to another depending upon the nature of the business, the
risks and uncertainties, government control; etc. they care concerned with the
formulation of long-term goals of enterprise and the determination of the ways and
means of achieving those goals.
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7. Strategic plans & Tactical plans: Strategic plans are plans designed to achieve
the overall or general objectives of the organization. Strategic plans are done by the
top level management. They are concerned with the enterprise, the formulation of
policies and the determination of strategies to be adopted and other steps to be
taken to accomplish those objectives.
Tactical plans are plans which are concerned with the planning of detailed
operations needed to achieve the organizational goals. Tactical plans are intended
to meet any changes in internal organization and external environment. For
instance, difficulty in procuring raw materials, changes in prices of products,
unexpected moves by the competitors and other unforeseen situations are met with
the help of tactical plans.
Components of Planning
Characteristics of Objectives
a. Objectives are the end points of planning. That is, objectives can be regarded as
the places which have to be approached through roads (i.e., policies). But policies
are the means. That is, policies are the broad ways or roads through which the
places (i.e., the objectives) have to be reaches
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ORGANIZING OR ORGANIZATION
MEANING OF ORGANIZATION:
The term 'Organization' can be used in different senses. It can be used as a group of person
working together to as a structure of relationships or as a process of management.
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DEFINITIONS OF ORGANIZATION:
1. Theo Haimann: "Organizing is the process of defining and grouping the activities; of
the enterprise and establishing authority relationships among them".
2. Koontz and O'Donnell: "Organization involves the grouping of activities necessary to
accomplish goals and plans, the assignment of these activities to appropriate
departments end tl1e provision for authority, delegation and co - ordination.
3. Louis A. Allen: "Organizing is the process of identifying and grouping the work to be
performed, defining and delegating responsibility and authority, and establishing
relationship the purpose for enabling people to work most efficiently together in
accomplishing objectives".
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1. Principle of Objectives: The principle of Objectives stresses the need for setting the
objectives of the enterprise. The setting of the objectives of the enterprise is
necessary, because the formulation of the organization structure s very much
influence by objectives of the enterprises
2. Principle of Unity 'of Objectives: The Principle of unity of objectives implies that /
every part of the organization and the organization as a whole should be geared to
the basic objectives of the enterprise, in other words the main objectives of the
enterprise.
3. Principle of division of work and specialization: Specialization has become the /
order of the day. So, sound and effective organization must be built on the principle
of specialization
4. Principle of Functional definition: The principle of functional definition implies that /
the functions, duties and responsibilities of the different departments and position in
the organization their authorities and their relationships with other departments and
position must be clearly defined.
5. Principle of balance of various factors: The principle of balance of various factors
suggests that there should be popper balance in the formal structure of the
organization in regard to various factors; For instance, there should be proper
balance among the; different segments or departments' of the undertaking. That ism,
the work- load should be properly distributed among the various departments to
maintain balance and harmony the working of the organization. There should be
balance in authority allocation to different departments.
6. Principle of simplicity: The principle of simplicity means that the organization
structure should be simple with a minimum number of managerial levels. If there are
a large number of managerial levels in the organization structure, there may raise the
problem of effective co-ordination and communication
7. Principle of Span of Control or Span of Management: Span of control or span of
management refers 10 'numbers of subordinates a superior can direct, guide and
control effectively. The span of control should be minimum, because there is a limit to
the number of subordinates that can be effectively supervise by a superior.
8. The Scalar Principle, the scalar chain, the chain of the command or line of
authority: Scalar chain is the chain of superiors. the line of command or the line of
authority form the highest rank to the lowest rank in the organization established for
the purpose of communication in both the directions, it establishes the channel
through" which communications should pass, and also states the superior-
subordinate relationships in the organization.
When the strict following of the line of authority becomes detrimental, and there is a
need of swift action, the scalar chain can be short-circuited by taking the permission
of their immediate superiors. Through this arrangement, the scalar chain principle is
safeguarded, and at the same time, the subordinate officers are enabled to take swift
action. Such an arrangement is known as Gang Plank. In this context, it must be
noted that the short circuiting of the scalar chain is permitted only on routine matters.
But matters pertaining to decision -making should be routed through the usual scalar
chain.
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Introduction:
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In the organizational structure of every enterprise, botl1 formal and informal organisations
exist. So, it is necessary for us to have some idea about the formal and informal
organisations existing in every concern.
FORMAL ORGANISATION
In the words of Chester Barnard, " An organisation is formal when the activities of two or
more
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(a) Formal Organisation is impersonal. So, emotions and sentiments of individuals are
ignored in determining the interactions, communication and accountability.
(b) Formal Organisation is deliberately designed to achieve the goals of the enterprise.
It does not consider the goals of the individuals.
(c) The rules and regulations prescribed in a formal organisation may be rigid, and so, it
may become difficult to achieve goals.
INFORMAL ORGANISATION
In the words of Keith Davis, “Informal organisation is a network of personal and social
relations not established or required by the formal organisation but arising spontaneously as
people associate with one another”.
(a) Informal Organisation is not established by any formal authority. It arises from the
personal and social relations amongst the people working in the organisation.
(b) Informal Organisation arises spontaneously, and not by deliberate or conscious
efforts.
(c) It is influenced by the personal attitudes, emotions, whims, likes and dislikes, etc. of
the people in the organisation.
(d) It is based on rules, regulations and procedures.
(e) The inter-relations amongst the people in an informal organisation cannot be charted
(i.e., cannot be shown in an organisation chart).
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(a) It helps the formal organisation to make a workable system to get the work done.
(b) It assists the formal organisation to become humanistic.
(c) It helps the group members to attain specific personal objectives.
(d) It provides social satisfaction to group members.
(e) It acts as a means by which the workers achieve a sense of security and belonging.
(f) It is best means of employee communication.
(g) It serves as an agency for social control of human behaviour.
(h) It acts as a safety valve for the emotional problems and the frustrations of the
workers of the enterprise.
(i) It lightens the work-load of the formal managers.
(j) Many things which cannot be achieved through formal organisation can be achieved
through informal organisation.
(k) The presence of informal organisation in an enterprise makes the managers plan and
act more carefully.
Informal organisation is not free from drawbacks. It suffers from certain drawbacks. They
are:
Conclusion:
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Introduction:
Line organisation is; a direct type of internal organisation. It is the oldest and the simplest
form of integral organisation.
Line organisation is a type of internal organisation in which there are direct vertical
authority relationships (i.e., superior-subordinate relationships), connecting the positions
at each level with those above and those below in the hierarchy. In other word, it is a
form of organisation in which the relationships between the various levels of
management form a hierarchy of authority or chain of command.
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Authority
General Manager
Production Manager
Foremen
Supervisors
Workers
Responsibility
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(I) The line organisation forms a vertical line relationship from the top to the bottom of
the organisation.
(II) There is authority relationship or superior-subordinate relationship in the line
organisation. Each position in the organisation structure has authority over its
subordinate, and is accountable to his superior.
(III) Under this system, authority flows from the top of the structure to its bottom level step
by step through downward delegation of authority, while responsibility flows upward
from the bottom of the structure to the top step by step.
(IV)There is no provision for staff officers (i.e., experts or specialists) to offer advice to
the line officers under this system.
Line organisation is not free from defects. It suffers from several drawbacks. The main
drawbacks are:
1. Under this system, as only one executive manages all the activities in his
department, there is no scope for specialization.
2. As only one executive is required to manage all the activities in his department, he is
over-burdened, As a result, he may not be able to direct and control the efforts of his
subordinates, properly.
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3. As all the decisions relating to a department are taken by only one executive, there is
unitary administration. Consequently, the successful functioning of the department
depends on the abilities of the departmental head.
4. Under this system, only one executive controls all the activities of department and
gets undue importance. The importance of the other people in the department is not
recognised. As a result, there may be lack of co-operation and team-spirit.
5. Since only one executive controls all the activities in his department, there is much
scope for nepotism and favouritism.
6. Under this system, the subordinates should follow the orders of their superior without
expressing their opinion on the orders. That means, there" is limited communication.
7. Under this system, the lower level managers lose their initiatives and interest, as they
have to merely carry out the orders and instructions of their superiors.
8. When there are too many levels of management, the process of communication may
become difficult under this system.
9. There is the danger that the line authorities may become autocratic or dictatorial.
10. Line organisation is rigid and inflexible.
It is true that line organisation suffers from many limitations. But its importance has not
been reduced. It is considered suitable for:
(a) Small concerns, i.e., concern which carry on their operations on a small scale.
(b) Concerns which have a small number of subordinates.
(c) Concerns which are engaged in operations which ate mainly of routine type.
(d) Concerns which has straight and simple methods of machines.
(e) Concerns where activities are performed by automatic machines.
(f) Industries where continuous processes are followed.
2. FUNCTIONAL ORGANISATION
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1. This system ensures maximum use of the principle of specialisation at every work
point and helps the enterprise to enjoy the benefits of specialisation of functions.
2. As the workers have to perform only a limited number of functions under this type of
organisation, this system contributes to higher efficiency of the workers.
3. As there is no scope for one-man control in this form of organisation, this system
ensures co-operation and team-work among the workers.
4. Under this system, the line officers are freed from the worries of technical problems
faced by the workers, as instruction regarding the technical problems flow to the
workers directly from the specialists.
5. This system is flexible, in the sense that any change in the organisation can be
introduced without disturbing the whole organisation.
6. This system is quite suitable for training young specialists.
7. This system ensures the separation of mental functions (i.e., planning) from manual
functions (i.e., functions at the workshop), and thereby, simplifies managerial
control.
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1. Under this type of organisation,' there are many supervisory staff of equal rank. This
may lead to conflicts among them.
2. As the workers have to work under many bosses under this system, it is difficult to
maintain discipline among the workers.
3. As there are several functional experts in the organisation under this system, there
may be the difficult or co-ordination.
4. The speed of action may be hampered under this system, as the control is divided
among several specialists.
5. As there are several functional experts under this system, the top management may
find it difficult to fix responsibility, when there is unsatisfactory progress.
6. As the workers have to carry out the orders of many posses or specialists, there is no
unity of command under this system.
7. As a large number of specialists, there experts are required to be appointed under
this type organisation, this system is very expensive.
8. It is very difficult to put this system into operation.
9. This system makes relationship more complex.
Functional organisation is quite good for division of work at the top. But for the division in
the various departments, this system is not very successful, as there is no clear line of
authority.
Board of Directors
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Introduction:
Line and staff organisation is a combination of line organisation and functional organisation.
It is a type of organisation in which there arc two sets of officers for administration, viz., (1)
line officers who have the authority and command over the subordinates and are responsible
for the accomplishment of the results, and-(2) staff officers or specialists who render experts
advice to the line officers to help them to discharge their functions efficiently.
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1. Line and Staff organisation is a combination of line organisation and functional (i.e., staff)
organisation. Under this system, there are line officers who have authority and command
over the subordinates and are accountable for the tasks entrusted to them, and there are
staff officers or specialists to offer expert advice to the line officers to perform their tasks
efficiently.
2. Line and staff organisation clear distinction between the two aspects of administration.
Viz. planning and execution. The staff personnel prepare the plans and give advice to
the line officials, and line officials execute the plans with help of the departmental
personnel.
3. The line and staff organisation is based on the principle of specialization, in the sense
that the staff officers specialize in the planning function and the line officers
specialisation in the execution or doing function of the administration.
1. Specialisation is ensured under the line and staff organisation2 as the staff officers
specialise in the planning function, and the line officers specialise in the execution or
doing function.
2. Line and staff organisation has greater flexibility , in the sense that new specialised
activities can be added to the line activities without disturbing the line procedure.
3. The expert advice and guidance given by the staff officers to the line officers benefits the
entire organisation.
4. As the decisions are made by experts or specialists, there will be sound managerial
decisions under this system.
5. As the staff officers look after t11e detailed analysis of each important managerial
activity, the line officers get a big relief.
6. Under this system, many varieties of responsible jobs are available. That means, more
opportunities are there for the advancement of the workers under this system.
Line and staff organisation also is not free from drawbacks. It suffers from a number of
limitations. They are:
1. If the pattern of authority relationship between the line officers and the staff officers is not
clearly indicated, there will be considerable confusion in the organisation. Further, there
may be conflicts between the line officers and the staff officers.
2. As the staff officers do not have the authority to put their recommendations into practice,
their advice may be ignored by line officers.
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3. As the staff officers are not 'concerned with the execution of the plan, they may not take
proper care before they advice the line officers. That means, this system may encourage
carelessness on the part of the staff officers.
4. This type of organisation requires the appointment of a large number of staff officers or
experts in addition to the line officers. As a result, this system becomes quite expensive.
5. As the line system is expensive, small concerns cannot afford
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1. Line organisation is a simple form of organisation. But functional organisation and line
and staff organisation are complicated.
2. In the case of the line organisation, there is clear-cut line of authority .m the case of
functional organisation, there is no clear-cut line of authority .In the case of line and staff
organisation, there is clear-cut division of authority for the line officers, but staff officers
do not have any authority.
3. In the case of line organisation, there is clear-cut responsibility .In the case of functional
organisation and line and staff organisation, there is clear-cut responsibility for the line
officers, but staff officers do not have any responsibility.
4. Because of clear-cut line authority, there is unity of command in the case of line
organisation. There is no unity of command in the case of functional organisation, as a
worker has to take instructions from several authorities. There is unity of command in the
case of line and staff organisation because of the existence of the line officers.
5. In the case of line organisation, there is flexibility in the sense that quick decisions and
prompt actions can be taken to adjust to changing situations because of the existence of
full authority. Functional organisation is rigid and inflexible. In the case of line and staff
organisation, flexibility is difficult.
6. Strict discipline is enforced in the case of line organisation. In the case of functional
organisation, enforcement of discipline is difficult because of lack of unity of command. In
the case of line and staff organisation, there is discipline enforced by line officers.
7. In the case of line organisation, there can be prompt and quick decisions. In the case of
functional organisation, there cannot be quick decisions. In the case' of line and staff
organisation, there can be better decisions by the line officers with the help of staff
advice.
8. There is no specialisation in the case of line organisation. There is maximum
specialisation in the case of functional organisation. There is certain amount of
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specialisation in the case of line and staff organisational because of the presence of staff
officers.
9. In the case of line organisation, there is heavy work load on the executive or managers.
There is less work load in the case of functional organisation. The work load is not heavy
in the case of line and staff organisation.
10. There is a good communication system in the case of line organisation. There is
overlapping of communication in the case of functional organisation. There is a good
communication system in the case of line and staff organisation.
11. In the case of line organisation, there can be better co-ordination within the department,
but inter- department co-ordination becomes difficult. In the case of functional
organisation, there is lack of effective co-ordination because of extreme specialisation. In
the case of line and staff organisation, there can be co-ordination through staff officers.
12. Efficiency is lacking in the case of line organisation, as one executive is entrusted with
many activities in which he is not efficient. In the case of functional organisation, there is
greater efficiency, as each executive is entrusted with limited duties. There is maximum
efficiency in the case of line and staff organisation because of the clear-cut duties of the
line officers and the availability of expert advice from the staff officers.
13. Line organisation is suitable for small enterprises, trading as well as industrial. Functional
organisation is suitable for large industrial enterprises. Line and staff organisation is
suitable for medium- sized industrial enterprises.
A number of persons may come together to take decision, decide a course of action, advise
line officers on some matters, it is a committee form of organisation. It is a method of
collective thinking, corporate judgement and common decision. A committee may be
assigned some managerial functions or some advisory or exploratory service may be
expected from it.
The main reason for committee is to secure common judgement on administrative matters.
The committees are set up for the following reasons.
1) The committees provide a forum for exchanging ideas among organisational members.
2) The exchange of ideas among members may generate some suggestions and
recommendations which may be useful for the organisation.
3) There can be proper discussion on present problems and efforts are made to find the
solutions.
4) The committees may also be needed in establishing and developing organisational
policies.
Types of Committee;
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Different committees maybe formed with different ideas and purposes. Some committees
may be only advisory while some may perform managerial functions. There may be following
types of committees:
The committee form of organisation has the following has the following advantage:
1. Pooling of opinions: the members of committees come from different background and
areas or expertise and have different view points and values. When persons with varied
abilities sit together and discuss a problem, various aspects of the case are highlighted
and pros and cons are assessed. The pooled opinion will help in taking a realistic view of
the problems.
2. Better co-ordination: Committee form of organisation brings more co-ordination among
different segments of the organisation when representatives of different departments sit
together, they understand and appreciate the difficulties faced by others. This type of
frank discussions help on fixing the targets of different departments and better co-
ordination is achieved through this type of decision making.
3. Balancing of Views: this type of organisation helps in balancing the views expressed by
different persons. There is a tendency to over emphasise the aspects of one's own
departme!1t by ignoring the inter dependent character of problems of different
departments. A committee helps to bring out an agreed view of the problems by taking
into account divergent views expresses in such meetings.
4. Motivation: The committees consist of managers as well as subordinates. The views of
subordinates are given recognition and importance. It gives them encouragement and
makes them feel as an integral part of decision making process. Such committees boost
the morale of subordinates and motivate them to improve their performance.
5. Dispersion of power: The concentration of power in few persons may lead to misuse of
authority and wrong decisions. By spreading powers among committee members this
problem can be solved.
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CENTRALISATION
Meaning of Centralisation:
In the words of Henry Fayol, "Everything which goes to increase the importance of the
subordinate's role is decentralisation, everything which goes to reduce it is
centralisation”.
DECENTRALISATION
Meaning of Decentralisation:
According to Henry Fayol, "Everything which goes to increase the importance of the
subordinate's role' is decentralisation, everything which goes to reduce it is centralisation.
Advantages or Decentralisation:
1. Decentralisation relieves the top executive from routine works, and enables them to
concentrate on more important works.
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Disadvantages of Decentralisation:
Decentralisation is, no doubt, good .But it is not free from drawbacks or limitations. The
various
Conclusion:
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Excessive centralisation kills the initiative and enthusiasm of the subordinates. Similarly,
excessive decentralisation reduces the importance of the superiors. Against complete
centralisation is impossibility, as management will be impossible without some measure of
delegation of authority. Similarly, complete decentralisation will amount to virtual
decentralisation. So, too munch of centralisation or too much of decentralisation must not be
res0rted to. A proper balance must be maintained between excessive centralisation and
excessive decentralisation.
Decentralisation is not an absolute term. So, the extent or degree of decentralisation varies
from concern to concern. The degree of decentralisation in an enterprise is determined by a
number of factors. They are:
1. The size of the organisation determines the extent of decentralisation. As the size of the
organisation increases. it becomes necessary to decentralise and divide the organisation
into a number of semi-autonomous units. In fact the larger is the size of the organisation)
the greater is the extent of decentralisation.
2. Decentralisation requires a number of able middle level managers to run the various
divisions or departments of the enterprise. That means, the extent of decentralisation is
determined by the availability of competent middle level managers. Where such
managers are not available, decentralisation is not possible.
3. The extent of decentralisation is also determined by the management philosophy (i.e.,
the outlook of the top management). If the top management believes in centralisation of
authority, there will not be much decentralisation. On the other hand, if the top
management believes in greater .autonomy and freedom to the subordinate, the extent
of decentralisation will be great.
4. The nature of the growth and expansion of the business also determines the degree of
decentralisation. If the enterprise has growth through internal expansion, generally, there
will be centralised control, and so, there may not be much decentralisation. On the other
hand if the concern has growth through amalgamation or absorption, generally there will
be greater decentralisation.
5. The physical dispersion of operations of the enterprise also influences the extent of
decentralisation. When the operations of an enterprise are widely dispersed in different
territories, generally, there will be greater decentralisation for better results.
6. Government policies and regulations also determine the extent of decentralisation.
7. The product lines of the enterprise influence the extent of decentralisation. Where the
product lines of the enterprise are quite different, decentralisation is resorted to.
8. Technological changes also may create conditions favourable for decentralisation.
9. The costliness and the significance of the decisions to be taken also influence the extent
of decentralisation. Where the decisions to be taken involve heavy investment or cost,
generally, decentralisation is not thought of. Instead, centralisation is thought of.
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Delegation and Decentralisation seem to be identical terms. But they are not identical terms.
They differ from each other in many respects. The main differences between them are:
Organisation Charts
There are three ways in which organisation charts can be shown: (i) Vertical (ii) Horizontal
(iii) Circular.
I. Vertical or Top bottom: In this chart major functions are shown at the top and
subordinate functions in successive lower positions. In this chart scalar levels run
horizontally and functions run vertically. The supreme authority is shown at the top
while lowest authority at the bottom.
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II. Horizontal or Left to Right: In this chart highest positions are put on the left side and
those with diminishing authority move towards the right. The organisational levels are
represented by vertical columns, the flow of authority from higher to lower levels being
represented by movement from left to right.
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III. Circular: In circular chart the centre of the circle represents the position of supreme
authority and the functions radiate in all directions from the centre. The higher the
positions of authority the nearer they are to the centre and the lesser the positions of
authority. more distant they are from the centre. The positions of relative equal
importance are located at the same distance from the centre.
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The top management should faithfully follow the line of authority while dealing with
subordinates. Any attempt to bye pass the organisation chart will make it meaningless.
The chart should define lines of position. The lines of different individuals should be so
defined so that there is no overlapping and no two persons should given the same
position.
The undue concentration of duty at any point should be avoided.
The organisation chart should not be influenced by personalities. Balance of organisation
should be given more importance than the individuals.
The organisation chart should be simple and flexible.
The organisation charts show the relationship of different positions and not the degree of
authority and responsibility. The size of boxes or circles in the chart cannot show the
level of authority etc.
A chart only depicts formal organisational relationship whereas informal organisation is
ignored. Practically informal organisation is an useful as formal organisation. Informal
organisation greatly helps management in knowing the reactions of the people and is an
important channel of communication.
A chart shows organisational position and status at different levels. It gives rise to
superior-inferior feeling among people and it retards the feeling of team work.
Delegation
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The Chief Executive assigns to the work to departmental managers who in turn delegate
the authority to their subordinates.
Every superior delegates the authority to subordinates for getting a particular work done.
The process goes to the level-~here actual work is executed.
The person who is made responsible for a particular work is given the requisite authority
for getting it done.
There is a limit up to which a person can supervise the subordinates. When the number
of subordinates increases beyond it then he will have to delegate his powers to others
who perform supervision for him. A manager is not judged by the work he actually
performs on his own but the work he gets done through others.
Definitions:
Allen. "The entrustment or a part of the work, or responsibility and authority to another, and
the creation of accountability for performances".
Characteristics of Delegation:
1) Delegation takes place when a manager grants some of his powers to subordinates.
2) Delegation occurs only when the person delegating the authority himself as that authority
i.e. a manager must possess what he wants to delegate.
3) Only a part of authority is delegated to subordinates.
4) A manager delegating authority can reduce, enhance or take it back. He exercises full
control over the activities of the subordinates even after delegation.
5) It is only the authority which is delegated and not the responsibility. A manager cannot
abdicate responsibility by delegating authority to subordinates.
Elements of Delegation
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Principles of Delegation:
Types of delegation:
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There may be certain defects in organisational structure which hamper proper delegation of
authority. Some of the difficulties involved in delegation are as such:
1. Over Confidence of Superior: The feeling in a superior that only he can do certain work
effectively than others is the main difficulty in delegation. When a manager is of the
opinion that his subordinates will not be able to make proper decisions then he will
concentrate all powers with him and will not like to delegate his authority.
2. Lack of Confidence in Subordinates: The superior may be of the view that
subordinates are not competent to carry out certain things of their own. He may lack
confidence in his subordinates. Under these circumstances superior will hesitate to
delegate authority.
3. Lack of Ability in Superior: A superior may lack the ability to delegate authority to
subordinates. The manager may not be able to identify the areas where delegation is
required. Lack of Proper Controls: There may not be proper controls in the organisation
which help the manager to keep in touch with performance of subordinates.
4. Lack of Proper Temperament of Superior: The chief executive may be over-cautious
or conservative by nature. An element of risk cannot altogether be ruled out but certain
risk will have to be taken.
5. Inability of Subordinates: The fear of committing mistakes or lack of confidence on the
part of subordinates may also act as a barrier in delegation of authority.
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Importance of Delegation:
A number of factors influence the decision about delegation. Some of these are discussed
as follows:
1. Company's History.
2. Availability of Capable Persons.
3. Importance and Costliness of Decisions.
4. Size of the Enterprise.
5. Available Controls.
6. Types of Enterprise.
7. Environmental Factors.
SPAN OF MANAGEMENT
In the words of Spriegal, "Span of control means the number of people reporting directly to
an authority. The principle of span of control implies that no single executive should have
more people looking to him for guidance and leadership than he can reasonably be
expected to serve.
The span of supervision is also known as span of control, span of management, span of
responsibility, span of authority and span of direction.
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There are number of factors that influence or determine the span of supervision in a
particular organisation, the most important of these are as follows:
1. The capacity and ability of the executive: The characteristics and abilities such as
leadership, administrative capabilities; ability to communicate, to judge, to listen, to guide
and inspire, physical vigour, etc. differ from person to person. A person having better
abilities can manage effectively a large number of subordinates as compared to the one
who has lesser capabilities.
2. Competence and training of subordinates: Subordinates who are skilled, efficient,
knowledgeable, trained and competent require less supervision, and therefore, the
supervisor may have a wider span in such cases as compared to inexperienced and
untrained subordinates who requires greater supervision.
3. Nature of Work: Nature and importance of work to be supervised is another factor that
influences the span of supervision. The work involving routine, repetitive, unskilled and
standardized operations will not call much attention and time on the part of the
supervisor.
4. Time available for supervision: The capacity of a person to supervise and control a
large number of persons is also limited on account of time available at his disposal to
supervise them. The span of control would be generally narrow at the higher level of
management because top manager have to spend their major time on planning,
organising, directing and controlling and the time available at their disposal for
supervision will be less.
5. Degree of Decentralisation and Extent of Delegation: If a manager clearly delegates
authority to undertake a well-defined task, a well trained subordinate can do it with a
minimum of supervisor's time and attention.
6. Effectiveness of communication system: Faulty communication puts a heavy burden
on manager's time and reduces the span of control.
7. Quality of Planning: Effective planning helps to reduce frequent calls on the superior for
explanation, instructions and guidance and thereby saves in time available at the
disposal of the superior enabling him to have a wider span.
8. Degree of Physical Dispersion: If all persons to be supervised are located at the same
place and within the direct supervision of the manager, he can supervise relatively more
people as compared to the one who has to supervise people located at different places.
9. Assistance of Experts: the span of supervision may be wide where the services of
experts are available to the subordinate on various aspects of work. In case such
services are not provided in the organisation, the supervisor has to spend a lot of time in
providing assistance to the workers himself and a such the span of control would be
narrow.
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(a) Wider Span of Supervision: In this type of span, the supervisor controls and guides the
activities of subordinates directly under his control. Wider span or supervision is
fanoured where workers are competent and trained.
(b) Narrow Span of Supervision: under this type of supervision, there are many levels and
more supervisors are required to perform the job of guidance and control for different
activities. It increases the efficiency of supervision but the cost of supervision is very high
as compared to wider span of supervision. This type of supervision is favoured at higher
levels of management where all the other activities of planning, organising, directing, and
controlling are also to be performed. But more the levels of supervision, more difficult is
the task of coordinating the activities of various groups of people.
Management by objectives is a process in which the manager and his subordinates jointly
agree upon a set of activities, targets and goal, keeping in view the overall objectives of the
organisation. and use these as the criteria for evaluating the performance of the
subordinates.
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Conclusion:
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It is true that MBO is subject to certain limitations. But if it is implemented sincerely and
seriously, it will yield good dividends.
Supervisory Management
1. Supervisory management level is above the operatives and below the middle
management in an organization.
2. This level can be classified into three categories, particularly in a larged-sized
organization: senior supervisor, intermediate supervisors, and front –line supervisors.
3. Supervisory Management is concerned with efficiency in using resources of the
organization.
4. It is an executor of policies and procedures making a series of decisions with well-
defined and specified premises.
5. Generally a supervisor is .called a marginal man is the organization. He concerned with
explaining the views of management to workers and the views of workers to
management.
6. Because of this reason, the job of a supervisor becomes more complex than other levels
of management. Management treats him the man of workers which workers treat him the
man of management.
1. Planning the activities of his section, classifying and assigning jobs to workers.
2. Guiding workers about work procedure
3. Managing and arranging necessary materials, toots, etc., for the workers
4. Ensuring maintenance of machineries, etc.
5. Providing on the: job training to workers
6. Supervision and control of functioning of workers
7. Solving problems of workers relating to jobs
8. Communicating the problems of workers, which are not solved at his level
9. Providing feedback., to management about the nature of work environment in his section
10. Maintaining discipline among workers, developing in them right type of approach, and
maintaining good human relations.
Effective Supervision
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1. Company' s History: The history of the company influences the degree of delegation A
company grow-n over a period of time has a tendency to centralize powers. When a
concern is small then most of the decision-making is done by the owner. With the growth
of business" the tendency to centralize powers remains. On the -other hand if a concern
is the outcome of a merger, amalgamation or combination, there may be a great amount
of decentralization.
2. Availability of Capable Persons: The element of delegation is linked to the availability
of subordinate managers. If sufficient persons are available who can take responsibility
then delegation can easily be done. Generally, managers complain that sufficient
subordinate managers are not available who can be assigned important, duties. Unless
subordinates are delegated the powers they win not learn the art of management.
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If the enterprise operates in a static industry then all decision-making is done at the
central level In cage, of banking and insurance the growth is slow and decision-making
remains at the top.
7. Environmental factors: In addition to internal factors delegation may be influenced by
internal factors too. These factors may be natural unions, government control over
business and tax policies. Some large concerns have to deal with workers unions at
national level. All the negotiations are done and decisions are taken at national level. In
such a situation the things are decided at head quarter level and are applicable at all
levels.
STAFFING
Meaning:
Staffing basically involves matching jobs and individuals. This may require functions like
manpower planning, recruitment, selection, training, development, performance appraisal,
transfers, promotions etc.
Nature of Staffing:
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3. Staffing function is performed continuously. Every manager has to guide and train
employees and also evaluate their performance on a continuous basis.
4. The main purpose of this function is to make optimum utilization of human resources and
also to provide proper satisfaction to employees.
5. Staffing is performed by all managers. In big concerns there is a separate personnel
department to deal with this function, but even here this department advises line
managers regarding different aspect of human resources.
6. Since staffing deals with human beings who have their own needs, emotions and
aspirations this function is different from other managerial functions.
Process of Staffing
The purpose of staffing is to employ most suitable and competent persons as per the
requirements of the organization. With this aim in view- the following staff process is
followed:
1. Estimating Man power Need: The first thing in staffing process is to estimate
manpower needs. These needs are influenced by the type and size of the organization.
Total manpower requirements are properly assessed. It is also ascertained at what time
different persons are needed.
2. Recruitment and Selection of Staff: Recruitment is the process of searching
prospective employees and pursuading them to apply in the organization. Selection is
the procedure of spotting most suitable candidates out of those who are interested to get
employment in the enterprise. The purpose of recruitment and selection is to employing
right man for the right job. There are internal as well as external sources of recruitment.
3. Training and Development: Training is meant to improve the skill and knowledge of
employees. It is beneficial to both employer and employees. A well trained worker
improves his efficiency and productivity. Suitable training methods should be devised for
different categories of employees. A formal training will avoid the risk of trial and error
and will also minimize the cost and wastage involved in training.
Development refers to the training of managerial staff. Development helps the growth of
an individual in all respects through development managerial staff does not increase its
capabilities to perform the present work but also enhances their ability to meet
challenges in future.
4. Promotion and Transfer: Employees are promoted to higher rank on the basis of their
merit and seniority .Staffing also involves transfer of persons form one job to another,
from one place to another on the basis of their ability, competence and ability.
5. Remuneration: Remuneration is paid for the services of labour. Employee motivation
mainly depends upon the wage and salary structure prevalent in an organization.
Employees should be paid fair remuneration so that they feel encouraged to contribute
maximum in their efforts. The wages are normally paid on the basis of time spent or
piece rate.
6. Performances Appraisal: After selecting and training an employer for a particular job,
management would like to see how he performs high work. Performance appraisal is a
systematic evaluation of employees contribution to the organization in performance of
their .jobs. This evaluation is normally done by immediate superior in the organization
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and it is reviewed in turn by his superior. Not only the qualities but deficiencies are also
evaluated to improve the performance of employees.
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Recruitment
Meaning:
Recruitment is the process of searching for prospective employees and stimulating them to
apply for jobs in the organization. When more persons apply for job then there will be a
scope for recruiting better persons. The job-seekers too on the other hand, are in search of
organizations offering them employment. Recruitment is a linkage activity bringing together
those with jobs and those seeking jobs.
Process of Recruitment:
1) Finding out the sources where suitable person will be recruited. Ex.: colleges
2) Developing the techniques to attract the desired candidates. The goodwill of an
organization in the market may be one technique. The publicity about the company
being a good employer may also help in stimulating candidates to apply.
3) Employing of techniques to attract candidates. There may be offers of attractive
salaries, proper facilities for development, etc.
4) The next stage in this process is to stimulate as many candidates as possible and ask
them to apply for jobs. In order to increase the selection ratio, there is a need to attract
more candidates.
1. Size of the organization: The number of persons to be recruited will depend upon the
size of the organization. A big enterprise needs more persons at regular intervals while a
small undertaking employs sometimes only. A big business house will always be in touch
with sources of supply and shall try to attract more and more persons for making a
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proper selection. It can afford to spend more amounts in locating prospective candidates.
So the size of an enterprise will influence the process of recruitment.
2. Employment Conditions: The employment conditions in a country greatly influence
recruitment process. In under-developed countries employment opportunities are limited
and there is no dearth of prospective candidates.
3. Salary structure and working conditions: The wages offered and working conditions
prevailing in an enterprise greatly influence the supply of personnel. If higher wages are
paid as compared to similar concerns, then the organization will not face any difficulty in
making recruitments. A concern offering low wages will always face the problem of
labour turnover.
4. Rate of Growth: The growth rate of an enterprise also influences recruitment process.
An expanding concern will require regular employment of new employees. There will
also be promotions of existing employees to higher jobs necessitating the filling up of
those vacancies: A stagnant enterprise will recruit persons only when present incumbent
vacates his position on retirement, etc.
Sources of Recruitment:
The finding out where suitable candidates are available and informing them about the
openings in the organization is the most important aspect of recruitment process. The
candidates may be available inside 1he organization as well outsider it. Recruitment
sources can be described as: internal and external sources.
o Transfers
o Promotions
o Present employees
1. Advertisement
2. Employment Exchanges
3. Education Institutions
4. Unsolicited Applicants
5. Professional Organizations
6. Data Banks
7. Similar Organizations
8. Casual Callers
9. Labour Contractors
10. 10. Trade Unions
A. Internal Sources:
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Internal source is one of the important sources of recruitment the employees already
working in the organization may be more suitable for higher jobs than those recruited from
outside. The present employees may help in the recruitment of new persons also internal
sources are discussed as follows:
1. Transfers: Transfer involves shifting of persons from present jobs to other similar
places. These don't involve any change in rank, responsibility and prestige. The
numbers of persons don't increase with transfer but vacant posts may be attended to.
2. Promotions: Promotions refers to shifting of persons to positions carrying better
prestige, higher responsibilities and more salaries. The higher positions falling vacant
may be filled up from within the organization. A promotion doesn't increase the number
of persons in the organization. A person going to get a higher position will vacate his
present position. Promotion avenues motivate employees to improve their performance
so that they get promotions to higher position.
3. Present Employees: The present employees of an enterprise may be informed about
likely vacant position. The employees recommend their relations or persons intimately
known to them. Management is relieved of botheration for looking out prospective
candidates. The persons recommended by the employees will be suitable for the job
because they know the needs & requirement of various positions. The existing
employees take full responsibility for those recommended by them and try to ensure
their proper behavior and performance.
This method of recruiting employees is suitable for lower position only. It may create
nepotism and favoritism. The workers may be employees on the basis of their
recommendations and not suitability.
1. Improves Morale: The internal sources of recruitment will boost morale of employees.
They are assured of higher positions whenever vacancies arise. Existing employees are
given preferences in promotions. Outsiders are employed only when suitable candidates
are not available from within.
2. Proper Evaluation: The management is in a better position to evaluate the performance
of existing employees before considering them for higher positions. An outside employed
just on the basis of an interview may not prove suitable later on. The service records of
existing employees will be a guide to study their suitability for ensuring vacancies.
3. Economical: The method of internal recruitment is economical also. The cost incurred in
selecting a person is saved. Moreover, internal candidates do not required any training
since they are well acquainted with various jobs in the organization.
4. Promotes Loyalty: Internal sources of recruitment promote loyalty among employees.
They are preferred to consider at the time of filling up higher positions. They will feel a
part and parcel of the organization and will always try to promote its interests.
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1) Limited Options: The recruitment of only internal candidates restricts the choice of
management. The present employees may not be suitable to take up position of higher
responsibility but there will be no option. A person will be selected only out of the
available candidates. The outside candidates, even though they may be suitable, will
not get a chance to show their talent.
Internal sources may dry up in the meantime and filling up of higher position will b-
become a problem.
2) Lack of Originality: The present employees may not be able to bring new ideas. They
will be accustomed to carry on things in the same old ways. New persons will bring fresh
thinking and new methods may be tried.
B. External Sources:
Every enterprise has to use external sources for recruitment to higher positions when
existing employees are not suitable. More person are needed when expansion are
undertaken. External methods are discussed as follows.
1. Advertisement: Advertisement is the best method of recruiting persons for higher and
experienced jobs. The advertisements are given in local or national press, trade or
professional journals. The requirements of jobs are given in the advertisement. The
prospective candidates evaluate themselves against the requirement of jobs before
sending their applications. Management gets a wider range of candidates for selection.
The flood of applications may create difficulties in the process.
Private agencies also help in recruiting qualified and experienced person. These
agencies remain in contact with employees and persons seeking change in jobs for
higher posts.
3) Education Institutions: The jobs in trade and industry are becoming technical and
complex. These jobs require certain amount of educational and technical qualifications.
The employers maintain a close liaison with universities and technical institutions. The
students are spotted during the course of their studies. Junior level, executives or
managerial may be recruited in this way.
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15) Suppliers of Goods: Suppliers of goods are one of the important sources of
recruitment. They are asked by their customers, namely business houses, to
recommend suitable persons for employment.
16) Leasing: Leasing is one of the sources of recruitment, particularly for public sector
undertakings. It is resorted to for securing managerial personnel at higher levels from
civil services, accounts services and defense services, for specific periods.
1) Demoralization: When new persons from outside join the organization then present
employees feel demoralized because these positions should have gone to them. There
will be a heart burning among old employees. Some employees may even leave the
enterprise to find out better avenues in other concerns.
2) Lack of Co-operation: The old staff may not co-operate with the new employees
because they feel that their right has been snatched away by them. This problem will be
acute especially when persons for higher positions are recruited from outside.
3) Expensive: The process of recruiting from outside is very expensive. It starts with
giving costly advertisements in the media and then arranging written tests and
conducting interviews. In spite of all this if suitable persons are not available among the
applicants then the whole process will have to be repeated.
4) Problem of Maladjustment: There may be a possibility that the new entrants have not
been able to adjust in the new environment. They may not temperamentally adjust with
the new persons. In such cases either the persons may leave themselves or
management may have to replace them. These things have adverse effect on the
working of the organization.
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Selection
Meaning:
Definition:
Dabyoder "Selection is the process in which candidates for employment are divided in two
classes, those who are to be offered employment and those who are not."
Selection Process:
1) Receipt and Scrutiny of Applications: The receipt and scruting of applications is the
first step in the process of selection. A receptionist in the personnel department gives
information about new opening to the visitors and receives their application.
The scrutiny of applications is essential to take out those applications which do not
fulfill the requirements of posts. Some people send applications even when they do not
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possess the required experience and qualifications. These applicants, if called for
preliminary interview, will waste their own time and that of the company. These
applications should out rightly be rejected and information should be sent to the
applicants in this regard.
The applicants selected at preliminary interview are given blank application forms for
supplying detailed information.
3) Blank Application Form: A blank application form is a widely accepted device for
getting information from a prospective applicant. This is away of getting written
information about candidate's particulars in his own handwriting. It enables the
personnel department to draw tentative inferences about the applicant's suitability for
employment. The information collected in the application form may also be circulated to
various members of selection committee for enabling them to make a view about
different applicants.
The information collected in blank application relates to the following particulars;
i. Bio-data: Bio-data includes name of the applicant, father's name, date of birth,
place of birth, permanent adders, height, weight, identification mark, marital status,
physical disability, etc.
ii. Education qualifications: This part of educational qualifications relates to
education acquired, institutions attended, percentage of marks, distinctions
achieved, technical education acquired, subjects studied, areas of specialization.
iii. Work experience: Application blank also enquires about previous experience,
similar or other jobs held, nature of duties, salaries received, name of previous
employers, reasons for leaving the present job.
iv. Curricular activities: The information about participation in extracurricular activities
like N.S.S., N.C.C., debates and declamations, sports" etc is also received in blank
application form.
v. References: The applicant is also asked to give some references from where an
enquiry may be made about his nature and work. The references are normally the
persons with whom the applicant has worked but are hot related to him.
vi. Salary demanded: The salary demanded by the applicant is also given in the
application blank.
An attempt is made to elicit maximum information in application blank. The
information asked for should be relevant and specific. It should have relevance to
the post he has applied for. The information collected should be brief and to the
point. Questions requiring essay-type answer should be avoided..
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TESTS
4) Tests: The use of tests for making selection is the most controversial step. Some
persons are of the view that tests do not serve any purpose and do not improve
selection process. On the other; "hand, some persons are of the view that tests give a
valid judgment about the traits of applicants. Within these views, the use of tests is
becoming important these should not be used just for the sake of use. The selection of
appropriate tests may give good results and help in appointing suitable persons. The
worth of test will be judged from its ability to reject unsuitable persons and help in
selecting appropriate persons.
1) Reliability: a test should be reliable. Reliability of test means that it gives same results
when applied to a person at different time. A test will not be reliable if it gives varied
results when applied to the same person. For example, an intelligence test is applied to
a person on Sunday and he gets a score of 100. The test is applied again to the same
person on Wednesday and it given a score of 120. This test will not be called reliable
because it has given varied results.
2) Objectivity: the test should be similarly applicable to different persons. The results of
the test should not have a bias in favour of persons with particular education or
technical background. It should be so constructed that two or more persons can score
the responses to items, questions or tasks in the same way.
3) Consistency: a good test should give consistent results when carried out on different
persons at different times. For example, a test shows x superior to y when it is applied
on a particular day. If the test is repeated on the same persons on a different day it
should again show the superiority of X over Y. If this is so the test will be consistent.
4) Standardization: a good test must be standardized. It may be administered under
standard conditions to a group of persons who are representatives of the individual for
whom it is intended. The methods and procedures for conducting and measuring results
should also be standardized.
Type of test:
A variety of tests may be used to get results at different times. Psychologists have devised a
number of tests which are frequently used. Some of the psychological tests are as follows:
1. Proficiency tests
2. Aptitude tests
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A. Proficiency tests: These tests measure the skill or training which the applicant
possesses at the time of testing. The claims of the applicants about his ability to perform
a particular job are tested on actual work conditions in the factory .If the applicant is a
candidate for the post of a foreman, he may be asked to explain the working of different
machines. An applicant for the post of a sales executive may be asked to explain a
procedure he will follow for promoting the sales of a product. These tests may be
conducted in writing, orally or on the job.
1. Dexterity Tests: These tests are designed to find out how efficiently and swiftly an
applicant uses his hands, fingers, eyes or other parts of body. These tests are useful
where work requires the swift movement of parts of body.
B. Aptitude tests: Such tests measure the skill and ability which a person may develop
later on. These measure the talent / ability of a candidate to learn new job or skill. The
aptitude for learning and bent of mind is assessed in these tests.
1) Intelligence Test: These tests measure the overall intellectual activity or
intelligence quotient (I.Q.) of the applicants. We can know about the capability of a
person in dealing with new problems. Applicant's word fluency, memory, reasoning
are also determined with these tests.
2) Personality Tests: Personality tests are designed to know about the non-
intellectual aspect of the candidate. His mixing with people, temperament, likings
and disliking, capacity to get co-operation from others, behaviour, confidence,
initiative are studied with the help of these tests. Personality tests are essential for
selecting persons for middle and higher level positions.
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Personality test also help to discover individual's value system, his emotional
reaction and maturity , his reaction under certain conditions, his adjustability to new
situation and his characteristic mood. These tests are widely used in industry
because they provide a well-rounded personality of the applicant.
Advantages of tests:
Tests can prove useful if used properly and under appropriate conditions. Some of these
advantages are as follows:
1) Proper Assessment: Test provide a basis for finding out the suitability of candidates for
various jobs. The mental capability , aptitude, linking and interests of the candidates
enable the selectors to find out whether a particular person is suitable for the job for
which he is a candidate or not.
2) Objective Assessment: Tests provide more objective criteria than any other method.
Subjectivity of every type is almost eliminated.
3) Uniform Basis: Tests provide a uniform basis for comparing the performance of
applicants. Same tests are given to the candidates and their score will enable selectors
to see their performance.
4) Selection of Better Persons: The aptitude, temperament and adjustability of
candidates are determined with the help of tests. This enables their placement on those
jobs where they will be most suitable. This will improve their efficiency and job
satisfaction.
5) Labour Turnover Reduced: Proper selection of person will greatly reduce labour
turnover. If suitable persons are not selected then they will leave the job sooner or later.
Tests are helpful in finding out the suitability of person for the jobs. Interest tests will
help in knowing the liking of applicants for different jobs. When a person gets a job
according to his temperament and interest he will not leave it.
Disadvantages of Tests:
1) Unreliable: The inference drawn in the tests may not be correct in some cases. The skill
and ability of a candidate may not be correct in some cases. The skill and ability of a
candidate may not be properly judged with the help of tests.
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2) Wrong Use: The test may not be properly used by the employees. It is also possible
that persons applying these tests may be biased towards certain persons. This will falsify
the results of tests. Tests may also give unreliable results if used by incompetent
persons.
3) Fear of Exposure: Some persons may not submit to the tests for fear of exposure. They
may be competent but may not like to be assessed though the tests. The enterprise may
be deprived of the services of such personnel who are not willing to appear for the tests
but otherwise may be suitable for the concern.
5. Interviews
Types of interviews:
Interviews may be of many types but some of these are discussed here:
3) Action Interview: This is semi-structured interview where questions are asked on the
subjects studied by the candidate. He is also asked questions about his previous
experience, aptitude, hobbies etc. the interview gives information about the nature of job
the candidate will be expected to perform, salary offered, avenues for promotion etc. the
replies of candidates are used to assess the potentiality of the candidate and his
suitability for the job.
4) Group Interview: In group interview, a group of candidates is interviewed at a time.
They are given some problems for discussion. The candidates express their views on
the problems. Someone initiates the discussion and someone may wind it up. The
interviews judge the views, initiative taken, way of expression of candidates. The
candidates are judged by performance in the group discussion.
5) Panel or Board Interview: In his interview the candidates is interviewed by a panel of
selectors. Different interviewers put questions on separate topics. For example, first
interviewer may ask questions about the educational qualifications, second may put
question on previous experience, third may ask general knowledge questions and so
no. the candidate is selected or rejected on the basis of combined rating by the panel.
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6) Stress Interview: The stress interview is to see how a candidate behaves in a difficult
situation. The interviewer assumes a hostile attitude towards the candidate. The
candidate may be asked questions in rapid succession, questions may be put on his
answers, he may be criticized for some of his answers, his arguments may be rejected
outrightly and so on. The purpose of such an interview is to see whether a candidate
keeps his cool under stress situations, what is his reaction to hostile situations, etc., The
interviewer must be an experienced person otherwise such interviews will not prove
useful.
6. Checking References: The references may provide significant information about the
candidate if they happened to be his former employers or with whom he might have been
working earlier. The applicants are normally asked to name two or three persons who
know about his experience, skill, ability, etc., but should not be related to him.
7. Preliminary and Final Selection: Upto this stage selection is handled by personnel
department or staff executives. Since the persons employed are to work under line
officers, the candidates are referred to them. Line officers will finally decide about the
work to be assigned to them. If line officer is a production manager or foreman he may
assess on the job performance of the candidates. If the candidate is not suitable for one
job then he is tried at some other. If candidate’s performance is not upto the mark then
he may be kept as apprentice for some time. Normally, a candidate is not rejected at this
stage.
8. Physical Examination: The jobs may require certain physical standards as to height,
eyesight, hearing etc. After the final selection, candidates are required to appear for
medical examination. For civil services and military jobs, the candidates are appointed
only when they clear medical test. Even for joining a government job, a medical fitness
certificate from the Civil Surgeon or State Medical Board is essential. Private
organisations too require a medical fitness certificate.
9. Placement and Orientation: Even after going through the rigorous procedure as
explained in various steps, the selection procedure is not complete. The placement and
orientation of the employee is also an important in this direction.
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Introduction
After suitable candidates are selected for various jobs, there is a need for the management
to provide for training and development. Training and Development of the personnel is quite
essential in these days when the process and techniques of the management have become
highly complicated. Training and Development is essential for the improvement of the
personnel and for making them fit into their jobs. The efficiency of an organization depends
on the training and development of the personnel.
Training is the act of imparting information and special skills to trainee for the purpose of
increasing his knowledge and skills for doing the particular job. Training is mainly job
oriented. It is given to both new and old personnel throughout their stay in the organization.
On the other hand, development includes the process by which the personnel acquire not
only skills and competence in their present jobs, but also capacities for future tasks or
positions. Development includes all those activities and programmes, when recognize and
controlled, have substantial influence in changing the capacity of the individual to perform is
assignment better, and in so doing, are likely to increase potential for future higher
assignments. In short, development refers to the programmes which contribute to the growth
of the personnel to all respects.
Training and Development of the personnel is quite essential for the successful working of
any concern. B. Flippo has highlighted the importance of training in the following words “No
organization as a choice of whether to train or not, the only choice is that of methods”.
1. Training increases the knowledge and skill of the personnel, and there by helps them to
increase the quantity and quality of the output.
2. Training helps the trainee to utilize and develop is full potential
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3. When there is training, a person doesn’t take much time to achieve the required level of
the performance. This gives him job satisfaction.
4. When training is imparted to personnel, they feel that they are taken care of by the
management. This will increase moral of the personnel.
5. Training enables the personnel to make the best and the most economical use of the
resources of the organization. This result in reduction in cost of production.
6. Trained personnel needs less supervision. That means, training contributes to increase
in the span of the management. That is, when personnel are trained, a superior can
supervise more subordinates. This result is reduced cost of supervision.
7. Training helps in building a second in line of competent officers or managers. As a result,
there will be competent replacement for more responsible positions.
8. The availability of trained personnel ensures the long –term stability and flexibility of the
organization.
9. Buy exposing the personnel to the latest concept, information and techniques, trainings
makes the personnel better qualified, and thereby , increases there employability {i.e.,
their market value and earning power.
10. Training gives an employee personnel confidence in handling the job assigned to him.
There are a number of training and developed methods for different types of personnel at
different levels. The various training and development methods can be broadly classified
into two categories. They are (1) On – the –job methods and (2) off-the-job methods.
On-the-job methods:
Refers to the methods which required the trainee to undergo training, while he is actually
engaged in work.
1. Apprenticeship training
2. Internship training
3. Training on specific job
4. Job rotation
5. Special project or task force on special assignment
6. Visible training (i.e., giving training to a employee by the specialists of the concern by
duplicating as nearly place as possible the actual working conditions of the work)
7. Committees and junior boards
Off-the-job methods:
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Off-the-job methods refers to methods which require the trainee to leave his work place for
under going training programmes. The training programmes may be conduct by the
enterprise itself or by the external agencies.
Under simulation role playing, instead of taking of the trainees to the field, the real situation
of the work environment in an organization is presented to the trainees in the training
session itself, and the trainee and made to act on samples of real business situation in order
to practice in decision-making. Role-playing is one of the common simulation method of
training.
Sensitivity training or T-group training means the development of awareness and sensitivity
to behavioural pattern of oneself and another. In other words, it is an experiences in inter-
personnel relationship which result in a change in feeling an attitudes towards oneself and
another. Under this method, the trainees are unable to see themselves as other see them,
and develop an understanding and others views and behavior.
This method aims to influence an individual behaviour through group discussion. This
method helps the participants to understand how groups actually work and gives them a
chance to discuss how they are interpreted by others. It also aims to increasing tolerance for
the points of individuals and his ability to understand others.
Introduction:
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DIRECTING
Meaning:
Direction is called management in action. In the words of Thco Haimann, "In order to make
any managerial decision really meaningful, it is necessary to directing”.
Definition:
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In the words of Koontz and O'Donnel, "Directing is the interpersonal aspect of managing by
which subordinates are led to understand and contribute effectively and efficiently to the
attainment of enterprise's objectives".
1) It is a Dynamic Function
2) It Initiates Action
3) It Provides Necessary Link Between Various Managerial Function
4) It is a Universal Function
5) It is Concerned With Human Relationships:
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Importance of Direction:
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and efforts are made to ensure proper achievement of targets. In case the performance
is less than the targets then remedial steps are taken for improving the performance. So
supervision is an integral part of direction.
8) Co-ordination: Direction will be effective only when there is a proper co- ordination. In
direction, different persons are asked to perform specific task. In order to see that efforts
of every employee are in the direction of achieving organizational goals there is a need
to co-ordinate various activities. In the absence of co-ordination every person will go in
his own direction without bothering for the enterprise target. When various activities are
co-originated then overall enterprise objectives will be easily achieved.
CONTROLLING
Control is one of the managerial functions. These functions start with planning and end at
controlling. The other functions like organizing, staffing, directing act as the connecting like
between planning and controlling. Planning will be successful only if the progress planning and
controlled, Planning involves setting up of goals and objectives while controlling seeks to ensure
Definitions:
Henry Fayol:
"In an undertaking, control consists in verifying whether everything occurs in conformity with the
plan adopted, the instructions issued and principles established". It has to point out weakness and
errors in order to rectify them and prevent recurrence. It operates on everything:
Characteristics of Control
1. Managerial Function
2. Forward Looking
3. Continuous Activity
4. Control is related to planning
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A number of techniques or tools are used for the purpose of managerial control. Some of the
techniques are used for the control of the overall performance of the organisation, and some are
used for controlling specific areas or aspects like costs, sales, etc.
a. Standard Costing
b. Break-even analysis
c. Inventory Control
d. Internal Audit
e. Statistical data analysis
f. Personal observation
g. Production planning and control
h. Financial statement analysis
i. Return on investment control
j. Management information system
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k. Management audit
l. PERT & CPM
m. Human resources accounting
n. Responsibility accounting
It may be noted that this type of classification of control techniques (i.e., classification of control
techniques into budgetary control technique and non-budgetary control techniques) is not quite
common.
As stated above, the various techniques of control can be classified into categories, viz., (1)
Traditional or Conventional techniques and (2) Modern or Contemporary techniques.
1. Budgetary Control
2. Standard Costing
3. Break-even Analysis
4. Inventory Control
5. Internal Audit
6. Statistical Data Analysis
7. Personal Observation
8. Production Planning and Control
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TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES
1. Budgetary Control: According to J.A. Scott, “Budgetary control is the system of management
control and accounting in which all operations are forecasted and so far as possible planned
ahead, and the actual results compared with the forecasted and planned ones”.
2. Standard Costing: According to the ICMA, England, “Standard cost is a pre-determined cost
which is calculated from management’s standards of efficient operation and the relevant
necessary expenditure”.
4. Inventory Control: Inventory is the stock of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods,
consumable stores and spare parts and components at any given point to time. So, inventory
control means control over different items of inventory or stock. “It is defined as physical
control of stock items and implementing the principles and policies relating thereto”.
5. Internal Audit: Internal audit is a continuous and systematic review of the accounting, financial
and other operations of a concern by the staff specially appointed by the management for the
purpose. In other words, it is the auditing for the management conducted by the staff specially
appointed for the purpose to ensure that the work of the concern is going on smoothly,
efficiently and economically.
6. Statistical Data Analysis: It is a technique under which statistical data of the past and the
present relating to the important aspects of the business are used for managerial control. The
statistical data are collected from books and registers of the concern and presented to the
management in a systematic manner in the form of tables, charts, graphs, etc.,
7. Personal Observation: Under the technique of personal observation, the managers keep a close
personal observation of the employees. In other words, the manager observes whether the
workers are doing what they are expected to do.
8. Production Planning and Control: According to S. Elon, “Production planning and control may be
defined as the direction and co-ordination of the firm’s material and physical facilities towards
the attainment of pre-specified production goals in the most efficient and valuable way”.
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MODERN TECHNIQUES
1. Financial Statement Analysis: Financial statements are a means of managerial control. They can
be used by the management for measuring and controlling the profitability, liquidity and the
financial position of the business. By comparing the financial statement of the current year with
those of the previous years and also by comparing the financial statement of their concern with
those of other concerns engaged in the same industry.
2. Return on Investment Control: Profits are the measure of overall efficiency of business. Profit
earned in relation to the capital employed in a business is an important control device. ROI is
used to measure the overall efficiency of a concern. It reveals how well the resources of a
concern are used, higher the return better are the results.
5. Zero-Base Budgeting (ZBB): In the words of Peter A Pyher, “Zero-base budgeting is a planning
and budgeting process which requires each manager to justify his entire budget request in detail
from scratch and shifts the burden of proof to each manager to justify why he should spend
money at all. The approach requires that all activities be analysed in ‘decision packages’ which
are evaluated by systematic analysis and ranked in order of importance”.
From his definition, it is clear that Zero-base budgeting is a technique of preparing the budget in
which the previous year is not taken as the base, and every year is taken as a new year for
preparing the current year’s budget.
6. Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) & Critical Path Method (CPM):
PERT: It is useful at several stages & project management starting from early planning stages
when various alternative programmes have been considered to the schedule place,
when time and resources schedules are laid to final stage in operation, when
used as control device to measure actual against plant programmes. It is useful
completing a project on schedule (time) by co-ordinating different jobs involved in its
completion.
It is a system & controlling which tries to rectify the deviations after they have occurred. It is like
a post-mortem analysis which aims at identifying the point & cause of deviation.
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It tries to prevent the deviations rather than correcting them, critical areas are identified at the
planning stage itself where deviations may occur and special care is taken to avoid such
deviations. The approach is diagnostic rather than post-mortem.
7. Human Resources Accounting: The American Accounting Association has defined human
resources accounting as “the process of identifying and measuring data about human resources
and communicating this information to interested parties”.
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Line organizations have a clear line of authority from top to bottom, with no specialization, ensuring simplicity and unity of command. Functional organizations lack a clear line of authority but offer maximum specialization by dividing work based on functions, which complicates command structures. Line and staff organizations combine both, maintaining clear authority lines for line officers while allowing staff officers to specialize and advise, adding complexity but improving decision-making diversity .
Advantages of a line organization include simplicity in establishment, clear authority-responsibility definitions leading to disciplined operations, and prompt decision-making due to unified command. Disadvantages include the potential for heavy workloads on managers due to lack of specialization and difficulty adjusting quickly to complex changes due to rigid hierarchical structures .
In functional organizations, the delegation of authority to multiple supervisory staff often causes co-ordination challenges due to conflicting directives from specialists without a unified command line. This may result in confusion and delayed actions, as employees are responsible to multiple bosses, hindering smooth co-ordination and complicating responsibility allocation .
Effective communication is crucial for co-ordination as it ensures that information flows freely among various organization members, promoting transparency and minimizing confusion. Effective communication, including personal contact and clear documentation, helps align efforts towards common goals, reducing friction and enhancing collaborative effectiveness .
Chester I. Barnard asserts that informal organizations enhance formal organizations by fostering a sense of belonging, status, self-respect, and gregarious satisfaction among members, leading to stronger cohesion. Keith Davis emphasizes that informal systems are vital for productivity and satisfaction, complementing formal systems just like two blades make scissors functional .
According to Mary Parker Follett, planning plays a crucial role in achieving organizational co-ordination as it is during this stage that various functions and policies are integrated, making it easier to align and harmonize different departmental activities. Planning allows for the resolution of potential differences early on, ensuring smoother co-ordination as it progresses .
Staffing is critical in adapting to new business developments as it involves employing competent individuals who can respond to evolving conditions. Proper recruitment, training, and development ensure the organization has a skilled workforce capable of implementing innovative changes and maintaining competitive advantages. Thus, strategic staffing aligns human capital with dynamic market demands .
In line and staff organizations, the hierarchical structure allows line officers to make quick decisions using their clear authority lines, while benefiting from the quality input and expertise of staff officers. This mix supports robust decision-making, enhancing speed and lowering the risk of errors due to the informed, specialized advice. However, it can also slow decision-making if the need to consult staff specialists becomes a bottleneck .
A small company may struggle to implement a line and staff organization structure due to its high cost, as it requires more personnel including specialized staff officers. The complexity of maintaining distinct line and staff hierarchies may also pose challenges in resource allocation and operational flexibility, overwhelming a small business’s administrative capacity .
Henry Fayol defines co-ordination as harmonizing all activities to facilitate working and success, emphasizing the integration of individual functions to improve efficiency. Ordway Tead expands on this by describing co-ordination as ensuring a smooth interplay of functions and forces across components, aiming for maximum collaboration and minimal friction. Both definitions emphasize integration and fluid operation, but Tead focuses more on interdepartmental dynamics .