Introduction to Management
Written by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD | Applies to nonprofits and for-profits unless noted
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Traditionally, the term "management" refers to the activities (and often the group of people) involved in the four general functions: planning, organizing, leading and coordinating of resources. Note that the four functions recur throughout the organization and are highly integrated. Emerging trends in management include assertions that leading is different than managing, and that the nature of how the four functions are carried out must change to accommodate a "new paradigm" in management. This topic in the library helps the reader accomplish broad understanding of management (including traditional and emerging views), and the areas of knowledge and skills required to carry out the major functions of management.
NOTE: There are two closely related topics in the library, including Supervision
(Introduction) and Leadership (Introduction) .
Suggested Previous Reading
Introduction to Organizations (at least the information under the title "Basics")
Gaining Broad Understanding of Organizational Management
Basics -- Definitions (and Misconceptions) in Management (also includes 4 major functions)
Is Leading Different than Managing? (pros and cons of this debate)
Very Brief History of Management in the United States
Current Theories in Management
Various Styles of Management
New Paradigm in Management
Managing Yourself
Managing Yourself
Basic, Entry-Level Skills
Basic, Entry-Level Skills in Organizational Management
Basic Guide to Management and Supervision
Major Functions of Management (and areas of knowledge and skills in each)
Major Function -- Planning
Major Function -- Organizing
Major Function -- Leading
Major Function -- Coordinating/Controlling
Nonprofit-Specific Areas of Knowledge and Skills
Nonprofit-Specific Areas of Skills and Practices
General Advice (Tips, etc.)
Various Suggestions for Knowledge and Skills Needed by Management
Basic Guide to Management and Supervision http://www.managementhelp.org/mng_thry/mng_thry.htm (1 of 3) [2/3/2002 4:14:47 PM]

Introduction to Management
Basic Guide to Management and Supervision
General Resources
Related Library Links
On-Line Glossary of Busness Terms
On-Line Discussion Groups
Hardcopy Resources
Free, Complete, On-line Training Programs That Include This Topic!
For For-profit Organizations:
This topic is also included in the Free Micro-eMBA learning module, Developing Basic Skills in Management and Leadership . This complete, "nuts and bolts", free training program is geared to leaders, managers and consultants who work with for-profit organizations.
For Nonprofit Organizations:
This topic is also included in the Free Nonprofit Micro-eMBA learning module, Developing
Basic Skills in Management and Leadership . This complete, "nuts and bolts", free training program is geared to leaders, managers, consultants and volunteers who serve nonprofit organizations.
Tell Friends! Local Professional Organizations! Spread the Word!
Tell friends and professional organizations about these free programs! Advertise them in your newsletters and web sites so that others can save training dollars, too!
Introdution to Organizations
Introduction to Management
Management Development Planning
Overview of Leadership
Leadership Development Planning
Overview of Supervision
Supervisoral Development Planning
Glossary of Business Terms
OMT Homepage
MGTDEV-L: Management Executive Development Discussions mdpw: MDPW - Management Development Program for Women
Liszt: MG-ED-DV critical-management discussion list
ODNET about organization development and change
HRNET about human resources
TRDEV about training and development
Additional Groups for Nonprofits
There are a vast variety of management publications. The following publications are http://www.managementhelp.org/mng_thry/mng_thry.htm (2 of 3) [2/3/2002 4:14:47 PM]

Introduction to Management suggested in the following order.
1. “Management (third edition)” by Richard L. Daft, Dryden Press, 1993. (Comprehensive and straightforward book on the basics, infused with practical cases and examples, and timely graphics to summarize salient points.) (If this book is not available, almost any college-level textbook on introductory management will do.)
2. (For nonprofits:) "The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management" by Smith, Bucklin and
Associates, published by Wiley and Sons. Provides comprehensive information about all facets of nonprofit management, and does so in a well-organized and concise style. Call
1-800-225-5945.
3. “The Fifth Discipline”, by Peter Senge, Doubleday Currency, 1990. (Probably still the most penetrating and realistic overview of understanding organizations from a system view AND diagnosing and resolving common organizational problems AND what major activities to ensure the health of your organization. A brilliant and wise book.
4. "Profiles in Excellence" by E. B. Knauft describes methods to achieve excellence based on extensive research among nonprofits. Call the Independent Sector at (202) 223-8100.
5. "The Tao of Leadership" by John Heider, Humanics New Age, 1985. (Once someone has mastered the basic, general management information (including from applying it over a few years), he or she comes to sense the "ebbs and flows" of management experience. This book captures those ebbs and flows nicely, culminating in an overall sense of wisdom about leadership and management.)
Used by The Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits
2233 University Avenue West, Suite 360
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 (651) 647-1216
With permission from Carter McNamara, PhD, Copyright 1999
Library and its contents are not to be used to generate profits
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