Administration vs. Management — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Administration involves the overall setting of policies and strategizing, while management focuses on the execution of these policies and strategies through people and resources.
Difference Between Administration and Management
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Administration primarily concerns itself with planning and decision-making functions of an organization. On the contrary, management is about executing and implementing these decisions effectively.
While administration often operates at a higher level, focusing on determining objectives and missions, management zeroes in on the methods to achieve these objectives.
Administration is about setting a direction for an organization, crafting policies, and setting goals. Management, meanwhile, navigates the path, ensuring that resources - be they human, financial, or material - are utilized optimally to meet these goals.
Generally, administration is a top-level function, often associated with owners or investors. In contrast, management operates at a middle-level, directly dealing with employees and day-to-day operations.
It's crucial to note that while administration provides the framework within which an organization operates, management ensures that the framework is functional and effective by utilizing resources and coordinating efforts.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Focus
Planning and decision-making.
Execution and implementation.
Level
Typically top-level.
Middle to lower level.
Main Functions
Setting objectives, crafting policies.
Utilizing resources, coordinating efforts to achieve goals.
Interaction
Deals more with external organizational relations.
Engages directly with employees and oversees daily operations.
Outcome
Provides a framework for operation.
Ensures functional effectiveness within the given framework.
Compare with Definitions
Administration
The act of distributing or dispensing something.
The administration of vaccines began in early spring.
Management
The skill or ability to handle or control things or people.
Good time management is crucial for success in any field.
Administration
The management and arrangement of public affairs or business.
The efficient administration of resources led to the company's growth.
Management
The process of dealing with or controlling things or people.
Stress management is essential for maintaining good mental health.
Administration
The cadre of individuals at the top level of an organization.
The school's administration is meeting to discuss curriculum changes.
Management
A collective term for those in charge of an entity or business.
The management has decided to offer bonuses this year.
Administration
The process or activity of running a business, organization, etc.
The day-to-day administration of the company
A career in arts administration
Management
The act of supervising or overseeing a function or operation.
The management of the event was praised by all attendees.
Administration
The management of public affairs; government
The inhabitants of the island voted to remain under French administration
Management
Management (or managing) is the administration of an organization, whether it is a business, a non-profit organization, or a government body. Management includes the activities of setting the strategy of an organization and coordinating the efforts of its employees (or of volunteers) to accomplish its objectives through the application of available resources, such as financial, natural, technological, and human resources.
Administration
The action of dispensing, giving, or applying something
The administration of justice
The oral administration of the antibiotic
Management
The process of dealing with or controlling things or people
Businesses were slow to adopt the key elements of environmental risk management
The management of the economy
Administration
The act or process of administering, especially the management of a government or large institution.
Management
Trickery; deceit
If there has been any management in the business, it has been concealed from me
Administration
The activity of a government or state in the exercise of its powers and duties.
Management
The act, manner, or practice of managing; handling, supervision, or control
Management of factory workers.
Administration
The executive branch of a government.
Management
The person or persons who control or direct a business or other enterprise.
Administration
The group of people who manage or direct an institution, especially a school or college.
Management
Skill in managing; executive ability.
Administration
The term of office of an executive officer or body.
Management
(uncountable) administration; the use of limited resources combined with forecasting, planning, leadership and execution skills to achieve predetermined specific goals.
Administration
(Law) Management of a trust or estate.
Management
The executives of an organisation, especially senior executives.
Administration
The dispensing, applying, or tendering of something, such as an oath, a sacrament, or medicine.
Management
(uncountable) Judicious use of means to accomplish an end.
Excellent time management helped her succeed in all facets of her life.
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.
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.
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.
Management
Business dealing; negotiation; arrangement.
He had great managements with ecclesiastics.
Administration
The country's government under the rule of a particular leader.
The Obama administration
The Duterte administration
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.
Administration
(countable) A body that administers; a body of administrators.
Management
The collective body of those who manage or direct any enterprise or interest; the board of managers.
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
Management
The act of managing something;
He was given overall management of the program
Is the direction of the economy a function of government?
Administration
Management.
Management
Those in charge of running a business
Administration
An arrangement whereby an insolvent company can continue trading under supervision.
The company went into voluntary administration last week.
Management
The act of coordinating and controlling resources to achieve desired goals.
The management of resources was critical during the crisis.
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.
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.
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.
Administration
The management and disposal, under legal authority, of the estate of an intestate, or of a testator having no competent executor.
Administration
A method of tending to (especially business) matters
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
Administration
The act of administering medication
Administration
The tenure of a president;
Things were quiet during the Eisenhower administration
Administration
The process of overseeing and setting direction for an entity or project.
The university's administration decided to build a new research facility.
Administration
The activity of governing or exercising authority.
The president's administration lasted for two terms.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary role of administration in an organization?
Administration sets the direction, policies, and objectives for the organization.
Can management exist without administration?
While management can operate in the short term without administration, it lacks strategic direction and overarching goals without it.
How does administration differ from governance?
While administration involves day-to-day operational decisions and planning, governance pertains to broader oversight and strategic direction.
Can one be trained in both administration and management?
Yes, many educational programs and trainings cover both areas, as they're interrelated.
Which is more hands-on: administration or management?
Management is generally more hands-on, dealing with day-to-day operations and resource coordination.
Which function typically interfaces more with employees?
Management usually has more direct engagement with employees and their daily tasks.
How does management contribute to achieving organizational goals?
Management focuses on the optimal utilization of resources and coordination of efforts to achieve set objectives.
How can management ensure effective administration?
By providing feedback, ensuring goals are met, and maintaining open communication lines with administrative bodies.
Can an individual be involved in both administration and management?
Yes, especially in smaller organizations, an individual might play roles in both administration and management.
Is management solely about handling people?
No, management encompasses handling resources, processes, and operations, not just people.
Is administration always a top-level function?
Generally, yes, but roles can overlap in smaller entities or specific organizational structures.
How does administration influence management?
Administration provides the framework and goals which management works towards achieving.
Can an entity function without administration?
While some entities might function temporarily without formal administration, long-term direction and planning would be lacking.
Are the skills for administration and management the same?
While there's overlap, administration leans more towards strategic thinking and decision-making, while management focuses on execution and resource coordination.
Which role typically requires more strategic thinking?
Administration, as it's concerned with setting long-term direction and policies.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Will vs. Can
Next Comparison
Drupal vs. JoomlaAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
