Administrative Management

Definition

Administrative management is a classical management theory that focuses on the structure and processes of an organization, emphasizing the importance of efficiency, coordination, and control within the administrative functions of a business. It provides a framework for organizing and managing the various activities and resources of an organization to achieve its objectives effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Administrative management emphasizes the importance of a clear organizational structure, with well-defined roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority.
2. The principle of unity of command is central to administrative management, where each employee has a single superior to whom they report.
3. Standardization of processes and procedures is a key aspect of administrative management, aimed at improving efficiency and consistency within the organization.
4. Administrative management advocates for a hierarchical organizational structure, with a clear chain of command and a limited span of control for each manager.
5. The focus on efficiency and control in administrative management can sometimes lead to a rigid and impersonal approach to management, which may hinder flexibility and innovation.

Review Questions

• Explain how the principle of unity of command is applied in administrative management and its importance for organizational structure.
  • The principle of unity of command is a fundamental tenet of administrative management, which states that each employee should have a single superior to whom they report. This principle is crucial for maintaining a clear organizational structure, as it ensures that there is a direct line of authority and communication within the organization. By having a single supervisor, employees can receive clear instructions, avoid conflicting orders, and be held accountable for their work, which can improve efficiency and coordination within the organization.
• Describe the role of standardization in administrative management and its impact on organizational processes.
  • Standardization of processes and procedures is a key aspect of administrative management, as it aims to improve efficiency and consistency within the organization. By establishing standard operating procedures, administrative management seeks to minimize variability, reduce errors, and ensure that tasks are completed in a consistent manner. This standardization can lead to improved productivity, better quality control, and more efficient use of resources. However, it can also result in a rigid and inflexible approach that may hinder innovation and adaptability within the organization.
• Analyze the potential drawbacks of the hierarchical organizational structure advocated by administrative management and how they may impact organizational effectiveness.
  • While the hierarchical organizational structure promoted by administrative management can provide clear lines of authority and facilitate control, it can also lead to several potential drawbacks that may impact organizational effectiveness. The rigid, top-down approach can stifle communication and decision-making, as information and decisions often flow slowly through the chain of command. This can inhibit the organization's ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions or customer needs. Additionally, the emphasis on efficiency and control can create an impersonal work environment, which may demotivate employees and hinder their ability to contribute creative solutions. Furthermore, the limited span of control for each manager can result in micromanagement and a lack of empowerment, potentially undermining employee engagement and overall organizational performance.

Related terms

Bureaucracy: A system of administration marked by officialism, red tape, and a hierarchy of authority, often characterized by an impersonal and inflexible approach to decision-making.

Span of Control: The number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise and coordinate, which influences the organizational structure and the levels of hierarchy.

Scalar Chain: The formal line of authority and communication that flows from the top to the bottom of the organization, where each level of management has a specific role and responsibility.