Universality
of management

Universality of
management means the
reality that management is needed in all types and sizes of organizations, at
all organizational levels, in all organizational areas, and in organizations in
all countries around the globe. Since management
is needed in all types and sizes of organization, at all organizational levels
either bottom or top , in all organizational areas- marketing, manufacturing,
the people have started showing their genuine interest in improving the way
organizations are managed. Organizations that are well managed develop a loyal
customer base and increase in revenue whereas the organization that are poorly
and carelessly managed finds themselves with a declining customer base and
reduced revenue.

Arguments for universality of management

The
supporters of this view say that basis of management is the same and can be
found in all types of organisations situated in any country. These scholars give the following arguments:

1. Management process is universal:

The
fundamental functions of management like planning, organising, staffing,
leading and controlling are basic and are performed by every manager in all
organisations. The management process is similar among managers. In the words
of Fayol, “There is a universal science of management applicable alike to
commerce, industry, politics, religion, war or philanthropy.

2. Management knowledge is universal:

Management
uses are as follows:

(i)
Management is culture-bound:

It
is argued that different countries have different cultures and varying levels
of economic development. Culture consists of attitudes, beliefs and values of a
society. There are differences in personality traits and educational, social,
political and economic standards are also different. Since management is people
oriented there is always a possibility that application of management
principles will be affected by these factors. When the ground rules under which
a manager operates are different in different cultures then common strategies
of management will not be possible.

(ii)
Different objectives:

The
objectives of an enterprise determine the type of management required.
Different enterprises have different objectives so these managerial needs are
linked to these objectives. Thus, management principles cannot be applied
universally.

(iii)
Differences in philosophies:

There
are differences in philosophies of different organisations. Philosophies refer
to those general concepts and integrated attitudes that are basic to an
enterprise. Managers operate with a specific philosophy in a particular
enterprise. Since philosophies exert different influences on managerial working
there cannot be any principles which can have universal application.

3. Management skills and principles are transferable:

Management
skills and principles are transferable from one person to another, from one
organisation to another, from one country to another. When skills and
principles can be transferred then it has universal applicability. Managers can
be developed through education and training. This knowledge can be acquired by
any one and anywhere so it is not related to particular caste, creed or
country. All this is possible only if management is universal in nature.

Arguments against universality:

Some
experts feel that management principles and knowledge do not have universal
application due to cross- cultural differences. They are also of the view that
same management skills cannot be applied in all situations and fields and the
skills are not transferable.

Functions of administration

Administration department
is backbone of an organization. An effective administrator is an asset to an
organization. He or she is the link between an organization’s various
departments and ensures the smooth flow of information from one part to the
other. Thus without an effective administration, an organization would not run
professionally and smoothly.

An
effective administrator should have the ability:

·
To understand general
concepts of Administration

·
To enhance the office
staff’s ability to manage and organize office effectively and professionally

·
File in the proper way and
filing standard

·
Develop an appropriate
office management strategy

·
Develop an appropriate
assets management strategy

·
Able to develop
administrative procedures

·
Able to plan and control
administrative budget

The duty of an
administrator depends on the company that the administrator works for. The main
job responsibility of an administrator is to ensure the efficient performance
of all departments in an organization. They act as a connecting link between
the senior management and the employees. They provide motivation to the work
force and make them realize the goals of the organization.

Office administration is
one of the key elements associated with a high level of workplace productivity
and efficiency. It is very difficult to run an organization without a good
administration faculty. It is administrator, who makes the rules and
regulations and applies these rules in an organization.

Sometimes, it is thought
that the role of an administrator is not important in the company and neglects
their presence. But without presence of an administrator an organization can
never work in a sound way. All the tasks and all the departments are relates to
the administration.