This document discusses different approaches to management. It defines management according to several experts such as F.W. Taylor who saw management as knowing what needs to be done and ensuring it is done efficiently. It also lists the different levels of management from top to bottom. Finally, it outlines several approaches to studying management including case studies, interpersonal behavior, group behavior, situational, decision theory, communication, socio-technical systems, system, and mathematical approaches.

2. “Management is knowing exactly what you
want men to do and then seeing that they
do it in the best and cheapest
way”(F.W.Taylor)
 These are simple definitions to remenber:
 “To manage is to forecast, to plan, to
organise, to command, to coordinate and
control”(Henry Fayol)
 “Management is the development of
people and not the direction of
things”(Appley -L)
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3. Top management
 Senior management
 Middle management
 Junior management
 Operating Staff
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Case approach – this approach analyses management usually through
cases. That is, it is a learning process through getting lessons from others
experience.
Interpersonal behaviour approach – this is based upon human behaviour
aspect. That is in simple, “people should understand people.”
Group behaviour approach – this is based upon the behaviour of people in
groups. It is task – oriented or self – oriented.
Situational approach – this approach is mainly concerned with the realities of
the situation.
Decision Theory approach – this approach is based upon the belief
that, since managers make decisions.
Communication centre approach – This approach would see the managerial
job as one of receiving information.
The socio- technical systems approach – the approach is based upon where
technical system has close relationship with people.
System approach – A system is essentially a set or assemblage of things that
are interconnected or interdependent. System study will enables the
widening of the organisation.
Mathematical approach – it is also called management science approach.
This sees, managing, as primarily an exercise in mathematical
process,concepts,symbols and models.