Handle vs. Manage: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Handle" means to deal with or control a situation or object, often implying direct interaction. "Manage" implies overseeing, controlling, or administering tasks, people, or organizations.
Key Differences
Handle typically refers to dealing with situations, tasks, or objects on a more immediate or practical level. Manage implies a broader and often more strategic approach, involving planning, organizing, and overseeing.
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Handle can denote physical control or manipulation of objects, as well as addressing issues directly. Manage usually involves coordination, direction, and administration of resources or people.
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To handle something often requires skill or competence in a specific task or situation. Manage, on the other hand, often suggests leadership qualities and the ability to run an organization or system effectively.
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When someone handles a problem, they are directly engaging with and addressing it. In contrast, to manage a problem may involve delegating tasks, developing strategies, and maintaining control over the situation.
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Handle is often used in a more hands-on, immediate context, whereas manage encompasses a broader range of responsibilities, often over a longer term and with more complex implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Dealing with situations or objects directly
Overseeing and administering a process or group
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Typical Use
Addressing specific tasks or issues
Leading and organizing a team or operation
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Key Quality
Competence in direct engagement
Leadership and administrative abilities
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Handle and Manage Definitions
Handle
To touch, hold, or move with the hands.
She carefully handled the fragile vase.
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Manage
To be in charge of, administer, or oversee.
She manages a team of ten people.
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Handle
To deal with a situation or problem.
He handled the crisis at work calmly.
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Manage
To achieve one's purpose despite difficulties.
Despite challenges, they managed to meet their goals.
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Handle
To operate or use a tool or machine.
She learned to handle the new software quickly.
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Manage
To have charge of; direct or administer
Manage a company.
Manage a portfolio of assets.
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Handle
To manage or control a situation or task.
The team handled the project’s challenges well.
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Manage
To exert control over; regulate or limit toward a desired end
Manage the news to minimize political repercussions.
Managed smokestack emissions.
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Handle
To treat or deal with in a certain way.
The coach handled the players with respect.
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Manage
To direct or supervise (employees or other staff)
She manages 20 people in the department.
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Handle
To touch, lift, or hold with the hands
You should wash your hands before you handle food.
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Manage
To succeed in accomplishing, achieving, or producing, especially with difficulty
Managed to get a promotion.
Managed a polite goodbye.
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Handle
To deal with or have responsibility for; conduct
Handles matters of corporate law.
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Manage
To succeed in coping or dealing with
A drug that improves patients' ability to manage their disease.
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Manage
To continue to get along; carry on; cope
Learning how to manage on my own.
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Handle
To deal or trade in the purchase or sale of
A branch office that handles grain exports.
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Handle
To act or function in a given way while in operation
A car that handles well in the snow.
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Handle
A part that is designed to be held or operated with the hand
The handle of a suitcase.
The handle of a faucet.
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Manage
(intransitive) To succeed at an attempt in spite of difficulty.
He managed to climb the tower.
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Manage
(ambitransitive) To achieve (something) without fuss, or without outside help.
It's a tough job, but I'll manage.
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Manage
To manage to say; to say while fighting back embarrassment, laughter, etc.
"That's nice, dear!", she managed.
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Handle
An alternate name or nickname, especially one chosen for self-identification on online forums or citizens band radio.
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Manage
To train (a horse) in the manège; to exercise in graceful or artful action.
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Handle
(Games) The total amount of money bet on an event or over a set period of time.
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Handle
The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
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Handle
An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.
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Handle
(gambling) The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.
The daily handle of a Las Vegas casino is typically millions of dollars.
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Handle
(textiles) The tactile qualities of a fabric, e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch.
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Manage
The handling or government of anything, but esp. of a horse; management; administration. See Manege.
Young men, in the conduct and manage of actions, embrace more than they can hold.
Down, down I come; like glistering PhaëthonWanting the manage of unruly jades.
The unlucky manage of this fatal brawl.
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Manage
To have under control and direction; to conduct; to guide; to administer; to treat; to handle.
Long tubes are cumbersome, and scarce to be easily managed.
What wars Imanage, and what wreaths I gain.
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Handle
(slang) A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel.
The successful businessman was knighted and acquired a handle to his name.
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Manage
To guide by careful or delicate treatment; to wield with address; to make subservient by artful conduct; to bring around cunningly to one's plans.
It was so much his interest to manage his Protestant subjects.
It was not her humor to manage those over whom she had gained an ascendant.
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Handle
(computing) A reference to an object or structure that can be stored in a variable.
This article describes how to find the module name from the window handle.
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Manage
To train in the manege, as a horse; to exercise in graceful or artful action.
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Manage
To direct affairs; to carry on business or affairs; to administer.
Leave them to manage for thee.
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Handle
(topology) A topological space homeomorphic to a ball but viewed as a product of two lower-dimensional balls.
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Manage
Be successful; achieve a goal;
She succeeded in persuading us all
I managed to carry the box upstairs
She pulled it off, even though we never thought her capable of it
The pianist negociated the difficult runs
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Handle
(algebraic geometry) The smooth, irreducible subcurve of a comb which connects to each of the other components in exactly one point.
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Manage
Be in charge of, act on, or dispose of;
I can deal with this crew of workers
This blender can't handle nuts
She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
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Manage
Come to terms or deal successfully with;
We got by on just a gallon of gas
They made do on half a loaf of bread every day
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Handle
(transitive) To treat, to deal with (in a specified way).
She handled the news with grace
The Persians handled the French ambassador shamefully
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Manage
To succeed in achieving or dealing with something.
He managed to complete the task on time.
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Handle
(transitive) To deal with (a subject, argument, topic, or theme) in speaking, in writing, or in art.
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Manage
To handle or direct with a degree of skill.
She manages her time effectively.
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Handle
(transitive) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell.
A merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock
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Manage
To exercise executive, administrative, and supervisory direction of.
He manages the entire department efficiently.
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Handle
(transitive) To put up with; to endure (and continue to function).
I can't handle this hot weather.
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Handle
To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm; to commit handball.
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Handle
(intransitive) To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed).
The car handles well
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Handle
To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
About his altar, handling holy things.
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Handle
To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
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Handle
To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year.
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Handle
To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
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Handle
To deal with; to make a business of.
They that handle the law knew me not.
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Handle
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
You shall see how I will handle her.
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Handle
To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
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Handle
That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
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Handle
That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.
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Handle
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
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Handle
Be in charge of, act on, or dispose of;
I can deal with this crew of workers
This blender can't handle nuts
She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
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Handle
Interact in a certain way;
Do right by her
Treat him with caution, please
Handle the press reporters gently
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Handle
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
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Handle
Show and train;
The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can handle and manage be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, yes, but they have different nuances.
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What skills are needed to manage effectively?
Leadership, organization, and strategic planning skills are essential.
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What is key to handling a difficult situation?
Direct engagement, problem-solving, and practical skills.
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What does it mean to handle a task?
It means to directly engage and deal with the task.
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Does managing always involve people?
Often, but it can also refer to processes or systems.
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How do you improve your ability to handle tasks?
By gaining experience, skills, and confidence in specific tasks.
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Is managing more complex than handling?
Generally, yes, as it often involves broader responsibilities.
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Can one person handle and manage a project?
Yes, but it typically involves different aspects of the project.
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Do managers need to know how to handle specific tasks?
It's beneficial, but their main role is oversight and coordination.
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Can handling a situation lead to managing it?
Yes, especially if the situation evolves or expands.
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What role does delegation play in management?
It's a key component, allowing effective distribution of tasks.
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Can a machine or software be managed?
Yes, in terms of overseeing its operation and use.
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Is emotional intelligence important in handling situations?
Yes, especially in dealing with people and complex scenarios.
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What is the biggest challenge in handling operational tasks?
Often, it's the need to adapt quickly and effectively to changing situations.
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How does one transition from handling to managing roles?
Through gaining experience, leadership skills, and broader responsibilities.
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Can handling a problem be a part of crisis management?
Yes, it's often a crucial component of effective crisis management.
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Is managing more about planning than executing?
It involves both, but with a stronger emphasis on planning and strategy.
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Is handling more hands-on than managing?
Yes, it often involves direct, physical, or immediate action.
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How important is communication in management?
Extremely important for clarity, team coordination, and effectiveness.
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Is handling always a part of a manager's job?
In many cases, yes, especially in smaller teams or projects.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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