Elements of Office Management

The following constitute the elements of office management:

Objectives: Office management is concerned with the attainment of certain desired objectives, through and with the cooperation of office staff. Office objectives can be classified as services, profit and social responsibilities. Office work is expected to assist and help other functional departments in performing their work efficiently’. Therefore, service is an important objective of managing-office work. Performance of office work efficiently contributes to work and profitability. Social responsibilities stress the attainment of goals in accordance with certain moral and ethical codes laid down by the industry and society in which the enterprise operates.

Means: The methods which are adopted to achieve the desired objectives are called the means. The office manager must use the. most suitable materials, and standard equipment, required for the performance of work by the office staff. This requires full information about the nature of office machines and equipments available and their application in day to day office work.

Personnel: Well-trained personnel is required to perform various office activities. Office machines cannot completely replace human effort, but can only help the office staff in doing their work accurately and quickly. Recruitment, training, and placement of office employees and their motivation constitute an important element of office management.

Environment: Office environment plays a major role in the performance of office work by its staff. Office personnel spend the best part of their life in working for the organisation. The surroundings in which office employees work must be congenial. Proper lighting, ventilation, the colouring of walls, and availability of other common facilities ensure a better atmosphere for work.