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Managerial skills; importance of management

Short answer

Katz identifies three managerial skills: technical (specialized knowledge), human (motivating and leading people), and conceptual (seeing the whole organization). Management is important because it gives direction, raises efficiency, coordinates work, helps adaptation to change, builds a skilled workforce, ensures stability and growth, and benefits society.

What are the managerial skills? Explain the importance of management.

Managerial skills

Managerial skills are the abilities a manager needs to perform management functions effectively. According to Robert Katz, there are three basic skills.

  1. Technical skill: Specialised knowledge and proficiency in methods and tools of a field, such as software development, accounting or engineering design. It matters most to first-line managers who supervise technical work.
  2. Human skill: Ability to understand, communicate with, motivate and lead people, build teams and resolve conflict. It is required equally at all levels.
  3. Conceptual skill: Ability to view the organization as a whole, understand how parts relate, think strategically and handle complexity. It is most important for top managers.

Additional skills often mentioned: design skill (problem solving), communication skill, decision-making and time-management skill.

Skill needed
Top      : Conceptual >> Human > Technical
Middle   : Human ~ Conceptual ~ Technical
Lower    : Technical >> Human > Conceptual

Importance of management

  1. Gives clear direction and helps achieve objectives.
  2. Raises efficiency and reduces cost through proper use of resources.
  3. Coordinates the work of departments.
  4. Helps the organization adjust to change.
  5. Creates a motivated, skilled workforce.
  6. Provides stability, growth and competitive strength.
  7. Contributes to society through goods, services, employment and taxes.

Example: Nepal Telecom needs technical skill in its engineers, human skill in its team leaders and conceptual skill in its top management for shifting to 5G and digital services.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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