Understanding management principles and functions is essential for UGC NET aspirants, especially in the context of educational administration, leadership, and organizational behavior. These foundational concepts are vital for future educators, administrators, and researchers to manage institutions and projects effectively.

What is Management?

Management is the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources (human, financial, physical, informational) to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively.

Management is both an art (based on practice and creativity) and a science (based on principles and theories).

Functions of Management

The classical functions of management were defined by Henri Fayol and later expanded in modern contexts. These include:

1. Planning

• Determining objectives and the best course of action to achieve them.
• Involves forecasting, setting goals, and outlining strategies.

2. Organizing

• Arranging resources and activities in a structured way.
• Involves identifying roles, delegating authority, and aligning resources.

3. Staffing

• Recruitment, selection, training, and development of personnel.
• Ensures the right people are in the right positions.

4. Directing (Leading)

• Guiding and motivating employees to achieve goals.
• Involves communication, leadership, motivation, and supervision.

5. Controlling

• Monitoring and evaluating performance to ensure goals are met.
• Includes setting standards, measuring actual performance, and taking corrective actions.

Principles of Management

Henri Fayol, known as the father of modern management theory, proposed 14 Principles of Management that act as guidelines for managerial decision-making:

S. No.	Principle	Meaning
1	Division of Work	Specialization increases efficiency.
2	Authority and Responsibility	Managers must have the right to give orders and responsibility to ensure results.
3	Discipline	Employees must obey and respect the rules.
4	Unity of Command	One employee should receive orders from one superior only.
5	Unity of Direction	Activities with the same objective should have one plan and one manager.
6	Subordination of Individual Interest	Organizational goals must come before personal interests.
7	Remuneration	Fair payment for work done.
8	Centralization	Balancing centralized decision-making and employee participation.
9	Scalar Chain	A clear chain of command from top to bottom.
10	Order	Right person in the right job; right material in the right place.
11	Equity	Kindness and justice in dealing with employees.
12	Stability of Tenure	Job security and stability reduce turnover.
13	Initiative	Employees should be encouraged to show initiative.
14	Esprit de Corps	Promoting team spirit builds harmony and unity.

 

Importance of Management in Education

• Helps in effective institutional planning and resource allocation.
• Improves classroom management, curriculum development, and teacher coordination.
• Essential for research project management, team leadership, and academic planning.
• Aids in implementing educational reforms and managing student outcomes.

Management vs. Administration

Management	Administration
Focuses on execution of plans	Focuses on policy-making
Concerned with day-to-day operations	Concerned with long-term goals
Requires technical and human skills	Requires conceptual skills
Done at middle and lower levels	Done at top levels

Sample MCQ for UGC NET Practice

Q: Who proposed the 14 Principles of Management?
A. Frederick Taylor
B. Henry Mintzberg
C. Henri Fayol
D. Max Weber

Answer: C. Henri Fayol

Tips for UGC NET Paper 1 Preparation

• Memorize Fayol’s 14 principles with real-life examples.
• Understand the difference between functions and principles.
• Practice MCQs from previous year question papers.
• Create flowcharts and tables to revise faster.

Conclusion

The principles and functions of management provide a systematic framework to plan, lead, and control educational institutions and organizations. For UGC NET aspirants, these concepts form the bedrock of effective leadership, administrative skills, and classroom management.

Mastering this topic helps not only in clearing Paper 1 but also in shaping your journey as an educator or academic leader.

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