What is the difference between Management and Administration?

According to Theo Haimann, “Administration means overall determination of policies, setting of major objectives, the identification of general purposes and laying down of broad programmes and projects”. It refers to the activities of higher level. It lays down basic principles of the enterprise. According to Newman, “Administration means guidance, leadership & control of the efforts of the groups towards some common goals”.

Whereas, management involves conceiving, initiating and bringing together the various elements; coordinating, actuating, integrating the diverse organizational components while sustaining the viability of the organization towards some pre-determined goals. In other words, it is an art of getting things done through & with the people in formally organized groups.

The difference between Management and Administration can be summarized under 2 categories: -

On the Basis of Functions: -

Management is an art of getting things done through others by directing their efforts towards achievement of pre-determined goals. Whereas Administration is concerned with formulation of broad objectives, plans & policies.

Management is an executing function. But, Administration is a decision-making function.

Management decides who will do the work and how the work will be done. But Administration decides what is to be done & when it is to be done

Management is a doing function because managers get work done under their supervision Whereas Administration is a thinking function because plans & policies are determined under it.

Technical and Human skills are required for management functions but conceptual skills are requires for Administrative functions.

Management functions are performed at Middle & lower level. Whereas Administrative functions are performed at top level

On the Basis of Usage: - Management is applicable to business concerns only i.e. profit-making organization but Administration is also applicable to non-business concerns i.e. clubs, schools, hospitals etc.

The management decisions are influenced by the values, opinions, beliefs & decisions of the managers. The administration is influenced by public opinion, govt. policies, religious organizations, customs etc.

Management constitutes the employees of the organization who are paid remuneration (in the form of salaries & wages).Administration represents owners of the enterprise who earn return on their capital invested & profits in the form of dividend.

Practically, there is no difference between management & administration. Every manager is concerned with both - administrative management function and operative management function as shown in the figure. However, the managers who are higher up in the hierarchy denote more time on administrative function & the lower level denote more time on directing and controlling worker’s performance i.e. management.