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Management Concept
In spite of not being possible to find a
universally accepted definition for this management concept and, on the
other hand, despite this having developed a lot during the last century,
there is some consensus referent to that this should mandatorily include
a series of tasks that seek to guarantee the efficient allocation of all
resources made available by the organization in order to achieve the pre
determined goals.
In other words, is the managements’ duty
the better functioning of the organizations by the rational decision
making and based in the gathering and treatment of data and relevant
information and, by this way, contribute to its development and for the
interests satisfaction of all its employees and owners and for the
satisfaction of needs of the general society and a group in particular.
According to the classic concept initially
developed by Henry Fayol, is the management’s duty to act through
planning activities, organization, leadership and control in order to
achieve the pre determined organizational goals.
To perform the duties above mentioned, the
managers use many times the techniques already tested and scientifically
demonstrated. On the other hand, they also use knowledge of several
scientific courses such as math, social and human sciences, economy, and
law, among others. Hence, we conclude that the management can be
considered a science in the way that entails a marked scientific
component.
Nevertheless, management cannot be
considered as a science in the true meaning of the word because the
general theories scientifically shown are rarely enough for the decision
making process. It is also necessary some empirical knowledge (some cal
it art) as a way to fulfill the distance that separates the general
theories from the reality lived in each organization. Comes from here
the importance of the experience and the familiarity with the real
situations lived daily in the place where the action takes place. This
is one of the main reasons presented by the defenders in the realization
of practical traineeships after the acquirement of technical knowledge
during the school time.
Translated from Portuguese
by Susana Saraiva, Portuguese-English and English-Portuguese translation
specialist. Contact: spams@sapo.pt.
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