POM Notes
POM Notes
Nature:
1. Multidisciplinary: Includes principles from various disciplines like economics, sociology, and
psychology.
2. Dynamic: Continuously evolving with changes in the environment.
3. Goal-Oriented: Focused on achieving specific organizational objectives.
4. Universal: Applicable to all types of organizations and levels of management.
Scope:
1. Planning: Setting objectives and determining the best course of action to achieve them.
2. Organizing: Arranging resources and tasks to implement the plan.
3. Leading: Motivating and directing employees.
4. Controlling: Monitoring performance and making necessary adjustments.
Art:
● Creativity: Requires innovation and creative problem-solving.
● Personalized: Relies on individual managerial skills and intuition.
● Practice: Mastery through experience and practice.
Science:
● Systematic Body of Knowledge: Based on established theories and principles.
● Universal Application: Principles can be applied universally.
● Predictability: Provides predictive outcomes based on empirical data.
The systems approach views an organization as a set of interrelated and interdependent parts
working together to achieve common goals. Example: A manufacturing company is a system
with various subsystems like production, marketing, finance, and HR. Changes in the production
subsystem affect the other subsystems and overall organizational performance.
Functions of Managers
1. Planning: Setting goals and determining the best way to achieve them. Example:
Developing a strategic plan for market expansion.
2. Organizing: Arranging tasks, people, and resources. Example: Creating a new department
to handle digital marketing.
3. Leading: Directing and motivating people. Example: Inspiring a team to meet tight
deadlines.
5. Staffing: Recruiting, selecting, and training employees. Example: Hiring new talent to fill key
positions in the company.
6. Coordinating: Ensuring all parts of the organization work together. Example: Aligning the
efforts of different departments for a product launch.
Managerial Roles
1. Interpersonal Roles
○ Figurehead: Symbolic head; performs ceremonial and social duties.
○ Leader: Motivates and directs employees; responsible for staffing, training, and
related duties.
○ Liaison: Maintains a network of outside contacts to gather information and
represent the organization.
2. Informational Roles
○ Monitor: Gathers internal and external information relevant to the organization.
○ Disseminator: Transmits information to relevant parties within the organization.
○ Spokesperson: Communicates information to outsiders on behalf of the
organization.
3. Decisional Roles
○ Entrepreneur: Initiates and encourages change and innovation.
○ Disturbance Handler: Deals with conflicts and crises; resolves unexpected
problems.
○ Resource Allocator: Decides where to allocate resources.
○ Negotiator: Represents the organization in major negotiations.
Managerial Skills
1. Technical Skills
○ Proficiency in specific activities or tasks.
○ Knowledge and ability to use tools and techniques specific to the field.
2. Human Skills
○ Ability to work effectively with others.
○ Communication, motivation, leadership, and team-building abilities.
3. Conceptual Skills
○ Ability to understand complex situations and develop solutions.
○ Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Theories of Management
Classical Theories
Henri Fayol's 14 Principles of Management
2. Authority and Responsibility: Managers must have the authority to give orders and the
responsibility to ensure they are followed. Example: A project manager assigns tasks and is
responsible for the project's completion.
4. Unity of Command: Employees should receive orders from only one superior. Example: A
sales representative reports directly to one sales manager.
5. Unity of Direction: Activities with the same objective should be directed by one manager.
Example: A marketing campaign is coordinated by one marketing manager.
8. Centralization and Decentralization: The balance of decision-making power should suit the
organization's needs. Example: Strategic decisions are made at headquarters, while regional
managers handle local operations.
9. Scalar Chain: Clear line of authority from top to bottom. Example: Orders flow from top
executives to frontline employees in a structured hierarchy.
10. Order: Proper arrangement of people and materials. Example: Organized filing systems and
designated storage areas.
11. Equity: Fair treatment of all employees. Example: Implementing equal opportunity hiring
practices.
12. Stability of Tenure of Personnel: Job security and career stability are important. Example:
Offering long-term career development programs to reduce turnover.
13. Initiative: Encouraging employees to take initiative. Example: A suggestion program for
employees to propose ideas.
14. Esprit de Corps: Promoting team spirit and unity. Example: Team-building activities to
foster collaboration and morale.
1. Science, Not Rule of Thumb: Use scientific methods to determine the most efficient way to
perform a task rather than relying on traditional methods or intuition. Example: Conducting time
and motion studies to find the optimal way to assemble a product.
2. Harmony, Not Discord: Foster cooperation between workers and management to ensure
smooth operations. Example: Encouraging teamwork and resolving conflicts through mutual
understanding and collaboration.
3. Cooperation, Not Individualism: Promote a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust between
workers and managers. Example: Implementing systems where workers and managers work
together to improve processes and share in the benefits.
4. Development of Each Worker to Their Greatest Efficiency and Prosperity: Train workers
to perform tasks using scientifically developed methods to enhance their productivity and job
satisfaction. Example: Providing specialized training programs to help workers master their
tasks and improve their skills.
5. Standardization of Tools and Equipment: Use standardized tools and equipment to ensure
consistency and efficiency in task performance. Example: Introducing uniform tools and
machinery across the production line to streamline operations.
6. Scientific Selection of Workers: Select and place workers in jobs for which they are best
suited based on their abilities and skills. Example: Conducting aptitude tests and skill
assessments to assign workers to the most appropriate roles.
7. Differential Piece-Rate System: Implement a pay system where workers are rewarded
based on their productivity, with higher pay for higher performance. Example: A worker who
exceeds production targets receives a higher wage compared to one who meets or falls below
the targets.
8. Planning and Task Allocation: Separate planning from execution by assigning the planning
function to managers and the execution function to workers. Example: Managers develop
detailed plans and schedules, while workers focus on carrying out the tasks as planned.
1. Clear Hierarchy of Authority: Establish a well-defined hierarchy where each level of the
organization has a clear chain of command. Example: In a corporate structure, the CEO has
authority over vice presidents, who in turn oversee department managers.
2. Formal Rules and Regulations: Develop comprehensive and formalized rules and
procedures to guide organizational operations and ensure consistency. Example: A company
handbook outlining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all employees to follow.
4. Division of Labor: Divide tasks and responsibilities among specialized roles to increase
efficiency and expertise. Example: In a hospital, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff each
have specialized roles and duties.
5. Formal Selection: Employees are selected and promoted based on technical qualifications
and merit. Example: Using standardized testing and performance evaluations to hire and
promote employees.
6. Career Orientation: Employees view their positions within the organization as long-term
careers with opportunities for advancement. Example: Providing clear career paths and
professional development programs to help employees advance within the organization.
Hawthorne Experiments
1. Hawthorne Effect: People work harder when they know they are being observed.
2. Social Factors: Positive social interactions and feeling appreciated boost productivity.
3. Worker Attitudes: Workers' feelings about their job and management matter.
4. Group Norms: Informal group rules and social pressure impact work behavior.
2. Systems Approach
● Focus: Views the organization as a system with interrelated parts working together to
achieve common goals.
● Key Concepts:
○ System: An organization seen as a collection of parts (subsystems) that function
together.
○ Synergy: The idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
○ Open vs. Closed Systems:
■ Open Systems: Interact with the environment and adapt to changes.
■ Closed Systems: Do not interact with the environment.
○ Feedback Loops: Mechanisms to adjust and control the system’s performance.
● Application: Helps managers understand how different parts of the organization affect
each other and the overall performance.
● Example: A company adjusting its marketing strategy based on customer feedback.
3. Contingency Approach
Focus: Improving quality through continuous feedback and involvement from all members of the
organization.
Key Principles:
Example: A company implementing regular process reviews and using employee feedback to
continuously improve service quality.
Planning is a fundamental managerial function that involves setting objectives and determining
the best course of action to achieve those objectives. It involves anticipating future conditions,
defining goals, and outlining the steps necessary to reach those goals.
Effective planning helps organizations allocate resources efficiently, reduce uncertainties, and
ensure coordinated efforts across various departments.
Types of Plans
1. Strategic Plans
○ Definition: Long-term plans that define the overall direction of the organization.
○ Time Frame: Typically covers 3-5 years or more.
○ Focus: Broad objectives and initiatives that affect the entire organization.
2. Tactical Plans
○ Definition: Mid-term plans that translate strategic plans into specific actions.
○ Time Frame: Usually cover 1-3 years.
○ Focus: Specific departments or units within the organization.
3. Operational Plans
○ Definition: Short-term plans that outline day-to-day activities and operations.
○ Time Frame: Typically covers less than a year.
○ Focus: Detailed tasks and processes required to achieve tactical plans.
4. Contingency Plans
○ Definition: Plans developed to address potential emergencies or unexpected
events.
○ Time Frame: Varies based on the situation.
○ Focus: Preparedness and response strategies for unforeseen circumstances.
5. Single-Use Plans
○ Definition: Plans designed for a specific project or event.
○ Time Frame: Once the project or event is completed, the plan is no longer
needed.
○ Focus: Unique, non-recurring activities.
1. Define Objectives: Identify and clearly state what the organization aims to achieve.
2. Analyze the Environment: Assess internal and external factors that could impact the
plan.
3. Develop Alternatives: Generate various possible courses of action.
4. Evaluate Alternatives: Assess the pros and cons of each alternative.
5. Select the Best Alternative: Choose the most suitable course of action based on the
evaluation.
6. Implement the Plan: Execute the chosen plan by allocating resources and assigning
tasks.
7. Monitor and Control: Continuously track progress and make adjustments as needed.
Interrelationship
● Policies in Planning: Policies provide the guidelines within which planning occurs,
ensuring plans are consistent with organizational values and legal requirements.
● Planning for Policies: Effective planning can lead to the development of new policies or
the revision of existing ones to better align with organizational goals.
Decision Making is the process of selecting the best course of action among various
alternatives to achieve a desired outcome or solve a problem. It involves identifying a problem,
gathering information, evaluating options, and choosing the best solution.
1. Identify the Problem: Recognize and define the issue that needs to be addressed.
2. Gather Information: Collect relevant data and insights.
3. Generate Alternatives: Develop possible solutions or options.
4. Evaluate Alternatives: Assess the pros and cons of each option.
5. Choose the Best Alternative: Select the most effective solution.
6. Implement the Decision: Put the chosen option into action.
7. Monitor and Evaluate: Track the outcomes and make adjustments as needed.
1. Confirmation Bias: Favoring information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring
contradictory data.
2. Overconfidence Bias: Overestimating one’s own abilities and the accuracy of
information.
3. Anchoring Bias: Relying too heavily on the first piece of information encountered.
4. Sunk Cost Fallacy: Continuing an action based on past investments rather than future
benefits.
5. Hindsight Bias: Believing an outcome was predictable after it has occurred.
Forecasting
Forecasting is the process of predicting future events or trends based on historical data and
analysis. It helps organizations anticipate changes and make informed decisions.
Benefits of Forecasting
1. Improved Planning: Helps in creating accurate and effective plans by predicting future
conditions.
2. Resource Allocation: Assists in allocating resources efficiently to meet anticipated
demand.
3. Risk Management: Identifies potential risks and allows for proactive strategies to
mitigate them.
Techniques of Forecasting
1. Quantitative Techniques:
○ Time Series Analysis: Uses historical data to identify trends and patterns (e.g.,
moving averages).
○ Regression Analysis: Analyzes the relationship between variables to predict
future values.
2. Qualitative Techniques:
○ Expert Judgment: Relies on insights and opinions from experts in the field.
○ Delphi Method: Collects and synthesizes expert opinions through iterative
rounds of questioning.
3. Combination Techniques:
○ Scenario Planning: Develops multiple scenarios based on different assumptions
to prepare for various possible futures.
Sustainable Planning involves creating strategies and plans that meet present needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Organising
Organizing is arranging resources and tasks to achieve the organization’s goals. It involves
setting up roles, assigning responsibilities, and coordinating activities to ensure everything
works together efficiently.
Organizational Structure refers to the way an organization arranges its roles, responsibilities,
and relationships to achieve its goals. It defines the hierarchy, authority, and communication
channels within the organization.
1. Hierarchical Structure
○ Description: A traditional model with a clear, vertical chain of command where
authority is concentrated at the top.
○ Characteristics: Multiple levels of management, clear reporting lines, and
distinct roles.
○ Example: A large corporation with departments like HR, Finance, and Marketing,
each headed by a director who reports to upper management.
2. Flat Structure
○ Description: A structure with few or no levels of middle management between
staff and executives.
○ Characteristics: Wider spans of control, greater employee autonomy, and
reduced hierarchy.
○ Example: A startup company where team members report directly to the CEO
and work collaboratively without many layers of management.
3. Matrix Structure
○ Description: Combines functional and divisional structures, with employees
reporting to both functional managers and project or product managers.
○ Characteristics: Dual reporting relationships, increased flexibility, and
cross-functional teams.
○ Example: A multinational corporation where employees work on multiple projects
across different regions and report to both project leaders and functional
managers.
4. Divisional Structure
○ Description: Organizes the company into semi-autonomous divisions based on
products, services, or geographic locations.
○ Characteristics: Each division operates independently with its own resources
and goals.
○ Example: A large consumer goods company with separate divisions for
electronics, home appliances, and personal care products.
5. Network Structure
○ Description: A flexible structure where the organization outsources various
functions and focuses on its core competencies.
○ Characteristics: Emphasizes partnerships and collaborations with external
entities.
○ Example: A fashion brand that outsources manufacturing and distribution while
focusing on design and marketing.
6. Team-Based Structure
○ Description: Organizes employees into teams that work on specific projects or
tasks.
○ Characteristics: Emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and cross-functional
teams.
○ Example: A tech company where project teams are formed for developing new
products and services, with team members from various departments working
together.
Span of Control
The number of direct reports a manager supervises. A wide span means fewer managers with
more subordinates, while a narrow span means more managers with fewer subordinates.
Example: A manager overseeing 15 employees (wide span) versus 4 employees (narrow
span).
Chain of Command
Work Specialization
Dividing tasks into smaller, specialized roles to increase efficiency and expertise. It can lead to
higher productivity but may reduce job satisfaction. Example: In an assembly line, each worker
is responsible for a specific part of the production process.
Industry 5.0
The integration of human skills with advanced technologies like AI and robotics to enhance
manufacturing and services. It focuses on combining human creativity with automation.
Example: A factory where robots perform routine tasks while humans handle complex
problem-solving.
Authority is the power to make decisions, give orders, and allocate resources within an
organization. It flows from higher levels of management to lower levels, allowing managers to
direct and control subordinates.
Responsibility is the obligation to perform assigned tasks and duties effectively. It involves
being accountable for achieving results and fulfilling job roles.
Authority gives you the power to make decisions and direct others, while responsibility means
you are accountable for completing tasks and achieving outcomes.
1. Authority and Responsibility: Ensure that when tasks are delegated, the subordinate
is given the necessary authority and resources to complete the task effectively.
Example: If a manager delegates a project, they should give the team leader the
authority to make decisions related to the project.
2. Clear Instructions: Provide clear and specific instructions about the task and expected
outcomes. Example: Clearly outline project deadlines, deliverables, and quality
standards when assigning a task.
3. Accountability: The person to whom the task is delegated should be held accountable
for the results and performance of the task. Example: If a team member is assigned a
report, they are responsible for its completion and accuracy.
4. Matching Skills and Tasks: Assign tasks based on the skills and abilities of the
subordinate to ensure successful completion. Example: Delegate complex analytical
tasks to employees with strong analytical skills.
5. Follow-Up: Monitor progress and provide support as needed, but avoid micromanaging.
Example: Check in periodically on the status of a delegated project to ensure it’s on
track without interfering with day-to-day execution.