Management vs. Administration: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Management primarily focuses on executing policies and overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. Administration, on the other hand, is more concerned with setting objectives and formulating policies.
Key Differences
Management refers to the process of organizing, planning, and overseeing activities to achieve goals. Administration is more about setting objectives, formulating policies, and making key decisions.
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Nov 15, 2023
Management often involves direct interaction with employees and handling the day-to-day operations. In contrast, Administration typically deals with broader strategic planning and organizing the overall framework within which management operates.
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In terms of scope, Management is usually seen as a middle-to-lower level function focusing on implementing plans within an organization. Administration is considered a higher-level process that encompasses strategic planning and decision-making.
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Management is more about tactical actions and managing resources effectively. Administration, on the other hand, is concerned with the overall direction and control of an organization.
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Management skills are often specific to a particular field or industry, requiring detailed knowledge of processes and practices. Administration requires a broader view, focusing on principles and policies that guide the organization as a whole.
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Comparison Chart
Level
Middle-to-lower level in the organizational hierarchy
Higher level, often executive or top management
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Skills Required
Specific to industry or field, practical skills
Broad, conceptual skills with a focus on leadership
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Decision Making
More about how to implement plans
Concerned with what plans should be made
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Interaction
Direct interaction with staff and operational teams
More interaction with board members, stakeholders
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Management and Administration Definitions
Management
The act of coordinating people and resources efficiently.
Effective management ensured the project was completed on time.
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Administration
The execution and implementation of rules and policies.
Effective administration is key to a successful educational institution.
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Management
Handling or supervising operations within an organization.
Her management style was key to improving team productivity.
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Administration
The management or performance of executive duties.
The administration of justice is a key pillar of democracy.
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Management
The process of decision-making to achieve organizational goals.
Through strategic management, the company expanded its market share.
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Administration
Management of public affairs; governmental business.
The city's administration focused on improving local infrastructure.
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Management
The administration of an organization, focusing on daily activities.
Good management is crucial for customer satisfaction.
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Administration
The act or process of administering, especially the management of a government or large institution.
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Management
The act, manner, or practice of managing; handling, supervision, or control
Management of factory workers.
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Administration
The activity of a government or state in the exercise of its powers and duties.
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Management
The person or persons who control or direct a business or other enterprise.
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Administration
The group of people who manage or direct an institution, especially a school or college.
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Management
(uncountable) administration; the use of limited resources combined with forecasting, planning, leadership and execution skills to achieve predetermined specific goals.
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Management
The executives of an organisation, especially senior executives.
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Management
(uncountable) Judicious use of means to accomplish an end.
Excellent time management helped her succeed in all facets of her life.
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Administration
The dispensing, applying, or tendering of something, such as an oath, a sacrament, or medicine.
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Management
The act or art of managing; the manner of treating, directing, carrying on, or using, for a purpose; conduct; administration; guidance; control; as, the management of a family or of a farm; the management of a business enterprise; the management of state affairs.
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Administration
(uncountable) The act of administering; government of public affairs; the service rendered, or duties assumed, in conducting affairs; the conducting of any office or employment; direction.
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Management
Business dealing; negotiation; arrangement.
He had great managements with ecclesiastics.
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Administration
The executive part of government; the persons collectively who are entrusted with the execution of laws and the superintendence of public affairs; the chief magistrate and his cabinet or council; or the council, or ministry, alone, as in Great Britain.
Successive US administrations have had similar Middle East policies.
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Management
Judicious use of means to accomplish an end; conduct directed by art or address; skillful treatment; cunning practice; - often in a bad sense.
Mark with what management their tribes divideSome stick to you, and some to t'other side.
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Administration
The country's government under the rule of a particular leader.
The Obama administration
The Duterte administration
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Management
The collective body of those who manage or direct any enterprise or interest; the board of managers.
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Administration
(countable) A body that administers; a body of administrators.
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Management
The act of managing something;
He was given overall management of the program
Is the direction of the economy a function of government?
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Administration
(uncountable) The act of administering, or tendering something to another; dispensation.
The administration of a medicine, of an oath, of justice, or of the sacrament.
Oral administration of insulin
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Management
The act of directing people towards achieving a common goal.
His management of the team led to a significant increase in sales.
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Administration
An arrangement whereby an insolvent company can continue trading under supervision.
The company went into voluntary administration last week.
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Administration
The act of administering; government of public affairs; the service rendered, or duties assumed, in conducting affairs; the conducting of any office or employment; direction; management.
His financial administration was of a piece with his military administration.
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Administration
The executive part of government; the persons collectively who are intrusted with the execution of laws and the superintendence of public affairs; the chief magistrate and his cabinet or council; or the council, or ministry, alone, as in Great Britain.
A mild and popular administration.
The administration has been opposed in parliament.
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Administration
The act of administering, or tendering something to another; dispensation; as, the administration of a medicine, of an oath, of justice, or of the sacrament.
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Administration
The management and disposal, under legal authority, of the estate of an intestate, or of a testator having no competent executor.
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Administration
The persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something;
He claims that the present administration is corrupt
The governance of an association is responsible to its members
He quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment
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Administration
The tenure of a president;
Things were quiet during the Eisenhower administration
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Administration
The process of organizing and controlling a business or organizational operations.
The administration of the new policy improved overall efficiency.
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Administration
The activities associated with running a company or organization.
She has a degree in business administration.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What roles do administrators play in an organization?
Administrators set objectives, formulate policies, and make strategic decisions.
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Are management skills transferable across industries?
While some management skills are universal, many are specific to a particular industry or sector.
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Is administration a higher-level function than management?
Generally, yes. Administration is often seen as a higher, more strategic level.
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Do management roles require specific technical knowledge?
Often, yes. Management roles can require detailed knowledge of specific processes or practices.
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Can management roles involve decision-making?
Yes, management involves decision-making, but mostly within the framework set by administration.
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Is administration only about policy-making?
No, administration also involves strategic planning and setting the direction for an organization.
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Can someone in management also perform administrative roles?
Yes, especially in smaller organizations, roles can overlap.
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What is the primary focus of management?
Management focuses on executing policies and managing day-to-day operations.
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Is experience in management necessary for administrative roles?
While not always necessary, experience in management can be beneficial for administrative roles.
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Does administration require interaction with employees?
Administration may involve less direct employee interaction and more engagement with stakeholders and board members.
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Are managers involved in policy formulation?
Typically, managers are more involved in policy implementation than formulation.
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Do managers need to understand the policies set by administrators?
Yes, understanding these policies is crucial for effective management.
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Is an understanding of the organization’s goals important for managers?
Absolutely, as it guides their decision-making and strategy implementation.
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Do administrative roles have a broader scope than management roles?
Yes, administration usually has a broader, more strategic scope.
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Are administrators involved in day-to-day operations?
Typically, they are less involved in daily operations and more in strategic planning.
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Do administrators need to have management experience?
It's beneficial, as it provides insight into organizational dynamics.
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Can a management role lead to an administrative position?
Yes, often management experience is a stepping stone to administrative roles.
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Are management and administration interdependent?
Yes, they often work closely together to ensure organizational success.
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Can management skills be learned on the job?
Yes, many management skills can be developed through practical experience.
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What is a key skill for administrators?
Strategic thinking and the ability to formulate policies are key skills.
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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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