Question

Choose the statement that correctly explains the distinction between management and administration.

• A. Management decides what is to be done, administration decides who should do it.
• B. Management requires technical skills, administration requires conceptual skills.
• C. Management is thinking function, administration is doing function.
• D. Management is applicable to non-business organisations, administration is applicable to business organisations.

Hint:

Remember: Management = Technical/Operational, Administration = Strategic/Conceptual.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The key difference between management and administration lies in the nature of skills and responsibilities each requires.

• Management deals with the execution of plans and operations, which require technical and operational skills. Managers need to focus on productivity, coordination, and achieving targets.
• Administration, on the other hand, involves policy-making and long-term strategic planning, hence it requires conceptual skills such as visioning, decision-making, and understanding the broader organizational environment.

Explanation of Other Options:

• (A) Reverses the correct roles — administration decides what is to be done, and management decides how to do it.
• (C) Management is the doing function, while administration is more of a planning/thinking function — not the other way around.
• (D) Incorrect association of management with non-business organizations — actually, management is more related to business operations.