Understanding Management: Types, Differences, and How-to Steps

Management exhibits numerous similarities to a discipline, as evidenced by various proofs. The principles and practices of management are largely founded on those of a discipline, resulting in a striking resemblance between the two.

Moreover, the regulations that managers must abide by are influenced by the standards adhered to by the employees. Management entails a specific code of conduct that managers are expected to uphold in their respective businesses or organizations. The discipline of management can be viewed from various perspectives, and the parallels it shares with other disciplines can be identified.

To classify as a discipline, the branch of knowledge should fulfill two basic requirements:

Relevant knowledge should be communicated by scholars and thinkers via publications and research.

Formal training and education programs are crucial in imparting knowledge. The management field fulfills both of these criteria, making it a discipline.

Effective management involves optimizing organizational processes and managing personnel to achieve the goals of the company. There are a variety of methods and tools available to managers to facilitate efficient operations and advance the enterprise. Management is a well-established discipline taught by numerous institutes and universities worldwide.

Why is management a discipline?

Specialized knowledge and rigorous academic preparation are necessary to qualify for a professional discipline that is regulated by a governing body. Disciplines that meet these criteria are considered to be highly professional.

Following are a few of the points because of which management can be considered as a discipline:

1. Specialized knowledge:

Participants of a discipline are expected to possess a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge base relevant to their field. Likewise, management professionals are required to undergo specialized training to equip themselves with the necessary expertise to tackle real-world problems. An effective manager should possess a combination of specialized knowledge and extensive experience in his or her profession, which in turn can benefit both the organization and subordinates reporting to him or her.

Managers, as well as the management and organization, can benefit from a mutually advantageous situation. However, only those with extensive work experience or relevant experience in the field can successfully navigate real-life problems. Specialized knowledge of management is not limited to a specific age group or time frame, but rather, managers are expected to continuously acquire specialized knowledge throughout their careers in the field of management.

As the market evolves, managers are expected to constantly upgrade their knowledge to keep up with the changes. With the market changing every day, new knowledge and techniques flow in regularly, necessitating the need for managers to stay up-to-date.

2. Formal education and training:

While it may be overwhelming to stay up-to-date with all the information available, it's important for a manager to have a general understanding of the market and its developments. This enables the manager to handle any situation that may arise and avoid feeling overwhelmed or unprepared.

Management is a field that is highly regulated by universities worldwide. Many institutions offer formal training in management as a profession, similar to a discipline with multiple centers established to train new professionals.

Management training can be provided by various institutes, however, the fundamental principles of management remain consistent globally. Formal education plays a crucial role in instilling discipline, and this is equally applicable to the field of management. Managers are expected to undergo formal training and education in management as a discipline and science, where theoretical concepts are imparted to them.

While formal education can equip managers to handle various situations, relying solely on it would be imprudent. This is because management is not just about theoretical education, but also about practical experience. Effective management requires a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

3. Social obligations:

For those who have the drive to adhere to discipline, it can serve as a means of livelihood. In the same vein, management is a profession that provides a source of income for many individuals in the business world.

A manager's responsibilities extend beyond just managing the organization itself; they also include caring for the well-being of their employees. Businesses have a social obligation to ensure that their employees are able to make a livelihood from their work. Providing a stable income is crucial to meeting this obligation.

It is also important for managers to socialize with both internal and external customers. Offering good working conditions and fair compensation for the work done is another way to fulfill the social obligations of management towards their employees. And, of course, organizations have a responsibility to the broader society as well.

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is a dedicated department within many companies that focuses on giving back to the community and environment. These departments often work on projects such as environmental rejuvenation, water conservation and recycling, promoting the use of eco-friendly products, and reducing waste through eco-friendly disposal methods. As the size of a company increases, so does its social responsibility and obligation to its community and environment.

4. Code of Conduct:

Professional codes of conduct are a crucial aspect of every discipline, outlining the standard operating procedures and guidelines that members must adhere to. These codes are designed to ensure that the principles of the discipline are maintained and not compromised.

In the realm of management, codes of conduct are equally important and apply to business professionals as well. Although the specifics of these codes may vary between organizations, they typically prioritize the welfare of employees. Members who violate the code of conduct may face disciplinary action by the organization, as it is essential to maintain the integrity of the discipline and its principles.

When conducting international business, it is crucial for multinational companies to be aware of and adhere to the varying codes of conduct in different countries. This means following local laws and codes of conduct specific to the country where the business takes place. A strong code of conduct is also essential for effective management.

5. Representative associations:

Discipline is a crucial aspect of various representative organizations, with multiple associations serving different purposes. The principles of discipline guide these associations, which include forming alliances, appointing new leaders, and recruiting members. These activities are aimed at upholding the values and promises of the discipline while promoting growth and development.

Representative organizations associated with management serve multiple functions, including regulatory oversight of business organizations and management principles within the industry. These associations also facilitate growth opportunities for management professionals through exposure to diverse cultures and the formation of congresses for like-minded individuals. Additionally, these organizations aid in fulfilling the professional obligations and responsibilities of management, further solidifying it as a discipline.

6. Management satisfies

Management fulfills numerous criteria and prerequisites that are essential for establishing discipline. One of these prerequisites is the transmission of knowledge by experts in the field.

Management is similar to a discipline in that practical knowledge gained by the management team is passed on to their juniors through training. This transfer of knowledge is also facilitated through industry-wide educational and training programs for future managers.

7. Universality:

Tailored to individual manager requirements, these specialized training programs address specific needs such as presentation and soft skill training. By customizing the content, managers receive training that is relevant and applicable to their unique roles and responsibilities.

The principles of discipline and management are widely applicable and accepted across various industries and scenarios, including business and practical settings. For instance, concepts such as the four P's of marketing, BCG matrix, and FIFO-LIFO are universal and have gained widespread recognition. In the financial sector, many of these principles serve as the foundation for stock market trading globally. As a result, management has evolved into a multidisciplinary science that is taught and embraced worldwide.

Management has become a more popular course and is most sought after discipline in every University.

8. Followers

A discipline thrives on its followers. Those who share a common interest and belief in the discipline become its devoted followers, who in turn attract new followers and serve as mentors to them.

In the realm of management, the senior-most leaders serve as mentors to the people managers, who in turn guide new hires within the organization. This top-down flow of knowledge mirrors the flow of authority. Due to these similarities, management is often likened to a discipline and has gained widespread acceptance and respect, attracting a significant following.

It has taken almost all the positive points of discipline and coupled with its features of art and the resulting combination is best of both worlds that is art, science as well as discipline.