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www.gyaniversity.com42Introduction To ManagementWhat is the meaning and definition of management and describe its characteristics. How does management differ from administration and discuss the challenges faced by the management.%u201cgetting things done through the efforts of others,%u201d a definition famously given by Mary Parker Follett, and later refined by other scholars such as Koontz and O'Donnell. This definition highlights that management is not simply about executing tasks but about coordinating the efforts of a group of people to accomplish organizational objectives. The characteristics of management help us understand its unique and dynamic nature:1. Management is a group activity. It relies on the collective efforts of individuals working together toward common objectives. No matter how talented an individual may be, achieving complex organizational goals requires cooperation and coordination among various team members.2. Management is universal in its application. The principles that guide management are applicable across all types of organizations,be it businesses, government bodies, educational institutions, or non-profits. These universal principles ensure that regardless of the organizational setting, a structured approach to achieving objectives remains effective.3. Management is a continuous activity. It is an ongoing process that adjusts to changing internal and external environments. As both challenges and opportunities arise, managers must continuously plan, execute, and review their strategies to ensure that the organization remains on track toward its goals.4. Management is an integrated effort. It brings together various resources such as human, financial, and technological to work in unison. In integrating these resources, management ensures that every part of the organization aligns with its overall strategic goals, making the combined effort more effective than individual endeavours. 5. Management follows a well-defined process. The systematic functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, coordinating, and budgeting are structured and inter-related. This clear process helps managers in utilizing resources optimally and in maintaining a focus on the set objectives.6. Management is objective-driven and result-oriented. Every activity in management is directed toward achieving specific goals. Managers develop plans and objectives based on the organization%u2019s vision and mission, ensuring that every action taken brings the organization closer to its targets.7. Management involves a set of roles and skills. Successful managers display a mix of technical, human, and conceptual skills which enable them to interact effectively with