Management

The management of an organisation encompasses setting a strategic direction and coordinating the efforts of its employees (or volunteers) to accomplish the organisation’s objectives. Profitability, sustainability, innovation, social responsibility, stakeholder relations, market share and effective use of resources are just some of the matters that managers must consider.

Along with the ability to lead, influence and inspire people, managers also need a broad understanding of organisational structure, design, ethics and culture; the critical issues that arise in process management; and employment law. They need to plan, set standards, measure the performance of their teams and take corrective actions if needed. And they need to achieve all this in the disruptive context of increasing moves toward protectionism, advancing technology and an accelerating pace of change.

Management is a stimulating, challenging and rewarding field of study that can take you on an exciting career path from self-employment to SME to multinational corporation, government body or not-for-profit enterprise.

• Rethinking the established ways of managing, organising and working in a global context of immense change
• Flattening of organisation structures requires managers/leaders who thrive in a collaborative and cross-functional environment
• Increasing need for ongoing personal and professional development to keep up with the accelerating pace of change
• Importance of including a diversity of people and perspectives in management and governance decisions
• Shifting focus to development of soft skills such as communication, empathy, self-awareness, connection, creativity, courage and resilience

Here are some of the skills managers will need to embrace to succeed by 2025*:

• Tech management skills: Managers will need to accurately understand technology to maximise opportunities in data management, career and skill development, workplace roles, and privacy, to name a few areas of concern
• Soft skill assessment: Managers will need to evaluate recruits for a combination of critical thinking and creative-minded problem-solving as the technological pace of the workplace escalates
• Diverse team management: Managers will need to foster cross-generational and cross-cultural collaboration amongst employees, consultants, contractors and suppliers
• Results only work focus: Managers will concentrate less on where and how employees work and more on results and output
• Collaboration: A major shift from “top-down” structures to “alongside” workplace organisation is a crucial part of future innovations
• Emotional intelligence (EQ): Managers with high EQ tend to show greater empathy towards their employees and clients, and understand the mentalities of their competitors better
  

*Source: Thrive Global

• An in-depth understanding of management concepts, theories and practices, especially those related to strategy, motivation and leadership
• Broad knowledge of local, national and international economic, political and social developments
• Critical and strategic thinking
• Problem solving
• Written and oral communication skills
• Technological literacy
• Commercial and business awareness
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Relationship-building skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• A commitment to ongoing learning

The ability to manage people and processes is relevant for most careers. Some specific roles include business development manager, project manager, brand manager, marketing manager, sales manager, operations manager, human resources manager, health, safety and wellbeing manager, employment relations manager, public policy analyst, team leader, recruitment consultant, employment analyst and business consultant.

Management graduates can find work in almost every sector, in New Zealand and around the world. The following list is by no means exhaustive:

• Agribusiness
• Banking and financial services
• Entertainment and media
• Healthcare and insurance
• HR and recruitment
• IT companies
• Manufacturing
• New business start-ups
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Professional services
• Public sector and local government
• Retail and customer services
• Telecommunications
• Tertiary education
• Tourism
• Transport

Management Consulting Club (MCC)

One of the largest clubs on campus. MCC engages students in team-based business competitions, delivering 13 local and national events each year. The club has been awarded the Dean’s Award for being an outstanding student organisation. MCC also acts as a selection trial for the Business School case competition squads. Learn more

More clubs and societies at the Business School

Depending on your area of interest, you could join one or more of these professional organisations:

• New Zealand Institute of Management and Leadership
• Human Resources Institute of New Zealand
• New Zealand Chambers of Commerce
• The Project Management Institute New Zealand
• Institute of Directors
• The Institute of Management New Zealand
  

You can also keep up to date with industry knowledge and job opportunities via LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Careers New Zealand

The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job.
Careers New Zealand

Occupation Outlook

Occupation outlook is a great tool for exploring study and career options, with extensive information on labour supply and demand in over 100 occupations in New Zealand. It outlines how to enter each role, how many are studying in related fields, how many are employed, and what the average incomes are. It also outlines the prospects of getting a job in that occupation once you have the necessary qualifications.

Prospects

Prospects specialises in advice for UK university students and graduates. Much of the information is relevant to New Zealand students.
Prospects