Glossary of management terms

After deciding what direction the company needs to go in, the organisation should decide how to get there. One way to do this is to develop goals and objectives. The words ‘goals’ and ‘objectives’ are sometimes used to mean the same thing. Usually, though, a goal is a high-level aim, and an objective is a statement describing how the goal can be met. Never rely solely on broad goal-statements of intent when planning: always provide further details in objectives that are measurable, time-defined and specific.

The personalities of the staff and the attitudes of managers affect an organisation’s internal environment. Together they create a culture or atmosphere in the organisation. The culture affects what managers can do and have to do. A good manager will be able to identify a bad culture and will try to change it.

Organising is about making something happen. It follows planning and puts planning into effect. While planning may happen only once or twice a year, organising is more frequent and can take place regularly or as required throughout the year.