What Is Management? Styles, Functions, Skills, and Careers
Learn what managers do within organizations and discover different management styles, career opportunities, and more.
![[Featured mage] A member of the management team in a gray suit meets with a coworker.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5exRVVj8VzhcjioeUqHtBu/99030dd8ca6e996f20be727933c65a6c/GettyImages-1173948784__4_.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000)
Management is how businesses organize and direct workflow, operations, and employees to meet company goals. The primary goal of management is to create an environment that empowers employees to work efficiently and productively. A solid organizational structure guides employees and establishes the tone and focus of their work.
Learn more about management, key skills you'll need to be successful in this area, and careers you can pursue if you're interested in managing a team of people. Afterward, if you'd like to build your management skills, consider enrolling in the University of Illinois' Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization, where you'll learn the fundamentals of effectively leading people.
specialization
Strategic Leadership and Management
Leadership and Business Skill for Immediate Impact. Apply practical strategies to becoming an effective organizational leader.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Business Psychology, Leadership and Management, People Development, Sales, Change Management, Organizational Development, Conflict Management, Leadership, Negotiation, Influencing, Communication, Strategic Management, Operations Management, Business Strategy, Business Analysis, Problem Solving, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Planning, Marketing, Research and Design, Culture, Decision Making, Strategy and Operations, Leadership Development, Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Business Model, Defining Leadership, Trust in relationships, self-awareness, Ethical decision-making, Organizational Theories, Organization Design, Organizational Structure, People Analytics, Ethics, Organizational Culture, Organizational Change, Decision-Making, Strategic Leadership, Management, Mergers And Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, Global Strategy, Diversification, Facilitate psychological safety, Create space for DEIB, Manage motivation and engagement, Navigate growth and change in teams, Develop team culture
What is management?
Management is an important business function that involves overseeing people or projects and guiding them toward a common goal or outcome.
Managers are tasked with several responsibilities to ensure the success of the team or initiative they're overseeing. This can look like:
Creating goals and objectives
Establishing schedules
Developing strategies to increase performance, productivity, and efficiency
Ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations
Mentoring employees
Monitoring budgets, productivity levels, and performance
Resolving customer problems
Training staff
4 key functions of a manager
Managers have several functions within an organization. You'll usually see these functions divided into four interconnected groups. Understanding them can help you identify your strengths and areas of need so that you can choose the proper training to improve your skills.
1. Planning
The first function of a manager is to set goals. These goals may be for individual employees, departments, or the entire organization, depending on the manager's level of responsibility. In addition to setting goals, managers often develop action items along with strategies and resources to complete tasks and meet goals.
2. Organizing
Meeting organizational goals requires putting the right people in the right places. Managers can play an important role in choosing workers for positions and projects. Knowing how to group people and help them build relationships often significantly affects how well the group works together. Sometimes managers need to train employees for specific tasks to ensure they have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
professional certificate
Microsoft Project Management
Launch your career as a project manager. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career in project management in as little as 4 months. No prior experience required to get started.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 4 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Budgeting, Organizational Structure of a Project, Project Management Principles, Project Processes, Project Organization, Approaches to project management, Tailor Approach, Project Management, Project Domains, Project Monitoring, Project Execution, Exam Preparation, PMP Exam Techniques, Exam Strategies, Analytical Thinking, Earned Value Management, Advanced Excel, PMP Formulas, Problem-Solving, ROI Assessment, Team Management, Risk Identification, Communication Planning, Project Methodologies, PMP Principles, Principle-based Approaches, Problem Solving, Agile Execution, Agile Implementation, Agile Methodologies, Agile Principles, Cross-cultural Analysis, Goal Orientation, Strategic Alignment, Foster Collaboration, Team Development, Leadership
3. Motivating
Managers help motivate employees to show up and stay productive. This includes sharing a common vision, encouraging them to develop their strengths, and inspiring them to do their best work at all times. Having effective communication skills is essential for filling this role.
4. Evaluating
Managers typically spend time measuring the success of their teams and how well they meet goals. The more they understand what works and doesn't work, the better prepared they are to make decisions in the future. Managers must understand and adjust strategies to meet company goals.
Watch this video on the process of performance management, an important part of helping employees reach their potential:
Read more: What Is Management Science? + How to Enter This Field
5 management styles
The way you choose to manage your team or department can have a direct effect on how they meet their goals. What you say and do may send powerful messages to employees about how you value their contributions and your level of trust in them. The list below highlights some of the more common styles used by managers.
1. Authoritative
Authoritative leaders tend to make decisions without feedback from others. This approach works well when you need to respond quickly to a situation and don't have time for debate. If you rely on this approach too much, you may see high levels of turnover within the organization and stalled innovation.
2. Coaching
Some managers view their role as that of a coach who sees the potential in employees and wants to help them grow. This can effectively build strong teams and create an environment where employees feel comfortable experimenting. Employees typically have a sense of autonomy under this style, but those needing more direction may feel neglected.
3. Democratic
Democratic managers value the input of employees in the decision-making process and usually believe having more ideas is better than having a few. This management style may help empower and motivate employees to work toward common goals. However, sorting through all of the voices and finding a consensus to make a decision can take time.
4. Transformational
In a transformational management style, managers prioritize innovation and growth. These managers encourage employees to discover just what they're capable of achieving. Workers with transformational leaders tend to be happy and dedicated to their work, but they must be able to adapt to sudden changes.
5. Visionary
A visionary leader knows how to ensure every team member understands the company's vision and is working toward a common goal. These leaders tend to be excellent communicators and typically give workers plenty of autonomy as long as they effectively execute the vision.
specialization
Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making
Become a Better Business Leader Today. Using Professor Sydney Finkelstein's renowned research into the art and science of leadership and years of experience working with managers and executives around the world, this specialization will help you build the wisdom and skills you need to grow and change as a leader—and as a person.
4.9
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Business Psychology, reflection, Leadership and Management, Business Analysis, Entrepreneurship, Emotional Intelligence, Problem Solving, Personal Development, Human Resources, People Development, Change Management, Organizational Development, Critical Thinking, Self Awareness, Research and Design, People Analysis, Decision Making, Strategy and Operations, Leadership Development, Communication, Strategy, Career Fulfillment, Learning How To Learn, Management, Decision-Making, Strategic Leadership, Learning, Learning from Failure, Growth Strategies, Leadership And Management, Influencing
Levels of management
In many organizations, management falls into one of three levels: top, middle, and low. Managers in smaller companies may fill roles at more than one level, while larger organizations may have several managers within each level.
Top: Top-level management typically has an administrative role, and their decisions affect the entire organization even though they sometimes aren’t involved in the day-to-day operations. They may have the title of chief executive officer (CEO) or serve on the board of directors.
Middle: You find people with executive roles at the middle management level. They work with both top-level management and supervisors to help workers meet objectives and boost the company's productivity. At this level, they may be called regional managers or general managers.
Low: The final level of management often has a supervisory role. These managers have titles like shift supervisor, branch manager, or team leader. They work with individuals and teams to meet goals determined by upper management. They typically have less influence over company policy compared to the other management levels, but the most interaction with direct reports.
Read more: 11 Key Project Management Skills
Careers in management
Managers work in almost every type of company and industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects management positions to grow faster than average by 2032 as entrepreneurs start new companies and existing organizations expand their operations [1]. The following management job titles show how varied these positions can be.
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers
Median annual salary (US): $138,730 [2]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 6 percent
As an advertising, promotions, or marketing manager, you help companies promote their products and services through strategic campaigns. You'll typically need a bachelor's in marketing, communications, or business to qualify for this type of position. Before becoming a manager, you may build work experience as a sales representative, social media specialist, marketing assistant, or public relations specialist.
professional certificate
Meta Marketing Analytics
Launch Your Career in Marketing Analytics. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Meta in 7 months or less. No degree or prior experience required.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 7 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Performance marketing, Data Analysis, Generative AI in Marketing Analytics, Statistics for Marketing, Marketing Mix Optimization, Advertising Effectiveness Evaluation, Marketing, Research and Design, Experiment, Marketing Mix Modeling, Marketing Plan, Regression, Probability & Statistics, Linear Regression, Business Analysis, Market Research, Advertising, Pandas, Data Visualization, Python Programming, Spreadsheet, Tableau Software, SQL, Data Management, Marketing Science, Social Media Marketing, Ads Manager, Facebook Advertising, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Analysis, Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Communication, A/B Testing, Meta advertising, Brand Management
Construction managers
Median annual salary (US): $101,480 [3]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 5 percent
Construction managers typically divide their time between the office and a construction site. In this role, you may set budgets, hire sub-contractors or crew members, oversee their work, and adjust plans to meet deadlines. Depending on your employer, you may need a bachelor's degree in construction, business, or engineering, along with experience as a skilled worker or intern in the construction field.
specialization
Construction Management
Construction Project Management and Planning. Develop and understand the foundations of project planning and scheduling techniques
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Schedule, Cost Control, Cost Estimate, Real Estate finance, Finance, Planning, Project Management, Cost, Decision Making, Strategy and Operations, Leadership and Management, Accounting, Cash Flow, Budget Management, Risk Management, Real Estate, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Project, Investment Management, Financial Modeling, Construction Management, Operations Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Supply Chain and Logistics, Change Management, Project Planning, Innovation, Collaboration, Human Resources, Strategy, Organizational Development, Critical Thinking, Linear Scheduling Method, Critical Path Method, Program Evaluation And Review Technique (PERT)
Financial managers
Median annual salary (US): $139,790 [4]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 16%
As a financial manager, you may work in various environments where you analyze data, create financial reports, and help individuals or companies set and meet financial goals. Before pursuing this career, you'll need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or economics. In some cases, you may want to earn industry certification as well. You can work your way up into this role through experience as a loan officer, an accountant, or similar positions within a company.
specialization
Financial Management
Become a Strategic Financial Manager . Develop an integrated financial management framework.
4.7
Intermediate level
Average time: 3 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Risk Management, Investment Strategy, Accruals, Financial Market, Cash Flows, Financial Accounting, Cash Flow Statements, Mergers and Acquisitions, Debt, Stocks (Finance), Corporate Finance, Financial Statements, Mergers And Acquisitions (M&A), Leadership and Management, Project, Investment Management, Accounting, Finance, Decision Making, Cash Flow Statement, General Accounting, Cash Flow, Financial Statement, Investment, Strategy, Stock, Accrual, Financial Markets
Food service managers
Median annual salary (US): $61,310 [5]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): little or no change
Food service managers work in restaurants, cafeterias, and hotels, overseeing kitchen and wait staff. In this position, you may create schedules, order supplies, and ensure employees follow food safety guidelines. Although you can usually enter this field with a high school diploma or equivalent, you may find it helpful to earn a degree in hospitality management or culinary studies. You’ll likely need some experience working in a restaurant as a cook, waiter, or food prep supervisor.
Read more: What Is Hospitality Management? Careers, Skills, Salaries, and More
Medical and health services managers
Median annual salary (US): $104,830 [6]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 28 percent
As a medical or health services manager, you may work in a doctor's office, hospital, rehab facility, or similar environment where you may supervise and coordinate health care providers and support staff’s work. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in health care administration or nursing, and many people in this role also have a master's degree. In addition to the degree, you may consider working in a variety of related positions like administrative assistant, billing clerk, or medical records specialist to gain work experience.
specialization
Healthcare Management and Finance
Become a transformative leader in healthcare. Explore how healthcare managers navigate the complexities of the healthcare system from both administrative and financial perspectives.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 1 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Financial Analysis, Marketing, Decision-Making, Accounting, Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Statement, Financial valuation tools, Mergers And Acquisitions (M&A), Overhead Cost Analysis, healthcare pricing
Sales manager
Median annual salary (US): $130,600 [7]
Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 4 percent
Sales managers supervise the team of sales professionals in an organization. As a sales manager, you can expect to set goals and quotas for individual sales representatives and teams and track their progress. You may be called upon to speak with customers and handle complaints. You may need a bachelor's degree to qualify for this type of position, but sometimes having experience as a sales representative or buyer can be just as important.
professional certificate
Salesforce Sales Operations
Launch Your Career in Salesforce. Learn the foundational skills in Salesforce needed to start a new career.
4.6
Beginner level
Average time: 3 month(s)
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Skills you'll build:
Databases, Operations Management, Salesforce Lightning, Leadership and Management, Business Analysis, Sales, Salesforce, Sales Operations, Marketing, Strategy and Operations, Data Visualization, Strategy, Data Visualization Software, CRM, Opportunity Management, Lead Management, Reports and Dashboards, Customer Success, Salesforce Sales Cloud
Read more: 4 Questions to Ask Before Pursuing a Sales Manager Career
Build your management skills on Coursera
Develop or strengthen important people and project management skills through a range of programs on Coursera. We've outlined some options to get started below:
To explore what managers do and build foundational skills, consider the University of London's free course The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work. This program covers decision-making, leadership, performance management, and more.
Learn practical strategies to motivate and influence people with the University of Illinois' Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization. Over seven courses, you'll learn about key management strategies.
Delve into project management and earn a credential in the Microsoft Project Management Professional Certificate. In this program, you'll gain practical expertise in developing and managing project schedules.
course
The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work
The aim of this course is to give you a practical guide to managing people at work. It does not matter whether you are a first time manager in a shop or a ...
4.7
Average time: 30 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Human Resources, Leadership and Management, Conflict Management, Decision Making, People Analysis
specialization
Strategic Leadership and Management
Leadership and Business Skill for Immediate Impact. Apply practical strategies to becoming an effective organizational leader.
4.8
Beginner level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Business Psychology, Leadership and Management, People Development, Sales, Change Management, Organizational Development, Conflict Management, Leadership, Negotiation, Influencing, Communication, Strategic Management, Operations Management, Business Strategy, Business Analysis, Problem Solving, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Planning, Marketing, Research and Design, Culture, Decision Making, Strategy and Operations, Leadership Development, Strategy, Strategic Thinking, Business Model, Defining Leadership, Trust in relationships, self-awareness, Ethical decision-making, Organizational Theories, Organization Design, Organizational Structure, People Analytics, Ethics, Organizational Culture, Organizational Change, Decision-Making, Strategic Leadership, Management, Mergers And Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, Global Strategy, Diversification, Facilitate psychological safety, Create space for DEIB, Manage motivation and engagement, Navigate growth and change in teams, Develop team culture
professional certificate
Microsoft Project Management
Launch your career as a project manager. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career in project management in as little as 4 months. No prior experience required to get started.
4.7
Beginner level
Average time: 4 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Budgeting, Organizational Structure of a Project, Project Management Principles, Project Processes, Project Organization, Approaches to project management, Tailor Approach, Project Management, Project Domains, Project Monitoring, Project Execution, Exam Preparation, PMP Exam Techniques, Exam Strategies, Analytical Thinking, Earned Value Management, Advanced Excel, PMP Formulas, Problem-Solving, ROI Assessment, Team Management, Risk Identification, Communication Planning, Project Methodologies, PMP Principles, Principle-based Approaches, Problem Solving, Agile Execution, Agile Implementation, Agile Methodologies, Agile Principles, Cross-cultural Analysis, Goal Orientation, Strategic Alignment, Foster Collaboration, Team Development, Leadership
Article sources
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Outlook Handbook Management Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm." Accessed March 14, 2024.
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