Difference Between Management and Administration

Management is the implementation of policies that are created through effective administration. To ensure proper administration, each process must be managed at each level.

Management and administration are two terms that are often used interchangeably. To understand the difference between administration and management, you must know that these two are not synonyms. The two terms are different in terms of functions, but these two have the same objective. Through this article, we will explain these terms individually and what is the difference between management and administration. 

Management refers to a broader terminology that indicates several functions. These including planning, staffing, organizing, monitoring, supervising and leading. On the other hand, administration is an action which involves the implementation of rules, regulations and policies set by the management.

These terms are closely related but represent different responsibilities. Management is linked with higher-level positions in comparison with administration. In management, strategic-thinking, decision making and leadership are must-have skills. For administration, one must have skills such as organization, communication and attention to details.

Table of Contents

• Administration vs Management
• What is management?
• Need for management
• What is administration?
• Need for administration

What are the Differences Between Management and Administration?

Detailed Difference

Following are the difference between administration and management.

1. Management is the process of managing people at every level. From an individual to a team, it is done at micro and macro level. Within each level of the hierarchy, there are managers working to ensure smooth workflow. On the other hand, the administration is at an upper level where high level authorities are involved. This is done on a macro level.
2. Administration represents creating plans and actions to achieve the objectives of the company. Management is the process of implementing these plans to achieve the final goal.
3. Administrative functions are legislative in nature, whereas managerial functions are executive in nature. 
4. In administration, decisions related to the people involved in accomplishing a set of task are taken. This means that administrators decide which professionals are appropriate for a particular objective. On the other hand, management involves making decisions on actionable items that will help in achieving that goal.  

Let us take a look at the summary to understand administration and management difference:

What is management?

Management deals with managing people and their work to achieve a common goal. It is a process that is required at every level of the organization. The aim is to streamline processes, workflow, goals, and objectives. It also helps in achieving the maximum result. 

Professionals called managers are involved in management to supervise the entire process. Managers perform duties to manage processes properly. This ensures that every process, team, and workflow syncs with changing economic, technological, and socio-political changes. 

Management takes place in four phases. First, the manager plans out strategies to achieve the objectives set by the management. Once the planning is complete, the manager organizes a team who have the skillset to achieve these objectives. Manager also establishes internal processes and structures to successfully implement the plan and get the results. To ensure that the selected team performs well, the manager should have the leadership skills. For successful implementation, the entire process must be monitored as well.

Need for Management

For any organization, management is essential for the following reasons:

1. Timely delivery: For timely delivery, it is essential that processes, production, and output are on time. For this, proper supervision is important since it can help prevent lags and unwanted disruptions. Once things are properly managed, delivery of services and products is always on or before time.
2. Less wastage: With a better-managed system, there is an exact idea about the requirement and how you can efficiently accomplish tasks. This prevents the use of any extra raw material, resource or funds. 
3. Decision-Making: Through proper management, better business decisions are made. Since everything is aligned, you have clarity about making choices that benefit the business.
4. Achieving goals: If things are well managed at a functional level, the probability of success is higher. This allows you to achieve goals within time and budget.
5. Profits: If a business organization operates in a managed way, it can produce quality products and services within budget and time. This helps the company earn more profits.  

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What is Administration?

The administration is a subset of management which is a systematic process of administrating management. It involves building plans, procedures, and policies and enforcing rules to achieve goals. Administration sets up a framework for organizations on a fundamental level. More precisely, it involves authorities like bureaucrats. The administration process involves the top-level management. Administrators deal with the processes to ensure proper administration. 

Need for Administration

Whether it is a profit-making organization or an NGO, proper administration is required to achieve the objectives of the organization. 

1. Improves efficiency: Proper administration ensures that resources are being utilized in an optimum manner. Less time is consumed to perform tasks. This increases efficiency and optimization within the workflow. 
2. Increases Productivity: As soon as the system becomes more efficient, the team can generate more than before when efficiency was less. This makes the team more productive and improves operations.
3. Fewer errors: If the administration is appropriately done, it ensures proper supervision, due to which the team makes fewer mistakes. This makes the system less prone to errors.

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Conclusion

Both management and administration are crucial for achieving the final goal. These two go hand in hand since administration and management are incomplete without the other. If the system has poor administration, weak policies and procedures will be created. This will lead to poor decisions that will adversely impact everyone from higher level to lower level. In the end, managers will have no clue of what path to take for achieving the end goal.

On the other hand, if the administration is strong but management is weak, it will also cripple the system. Even if the policies are effective, due to weak management, their implementation will be poor. This will hamper the workflow, efficiency, and productivity of group of people in the company. 

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