From Etymology to academic discipline in global, Indian and Manipur contexts
- Understanding Management -

Dr Makakmayum Baadshah *

Manipur Institute of Management Studies (MIMS) at Manipur University (MU), Canchipur in April 2012 :: Pix - Phurailatpam Banti

Management, today a cornerstone of both professional practice and academic study, is a discipline that has evolved across centuries, cultures, and contexts.

From its linguistic roots to its contemporary relevance in business, governance, and education, the story of management is not just one of organizational efficiency, but of how human societies have continuously sought to structure, coordinate, and optimize collective effort. This article traces the evolution of management - from its etymology and global historical development to its unique journey in India and its emerging narrative in Manipur.

Origins of the Word "Management"

The term management is derived from the Latin word manus, meaning "hand." It evolved into the Italian maneggiare, meaning "to handle" or "to train horses," which was later adapted into French as mesnagement or management, implying stewardship or careful administration. The English word management took shape in the 16th and 17th centuries, retaining the original essence of "handling" or "controlling."

The verb to manage emerged from this lineage, initially connoting control or direction, particularly of physical tasks. Over time, these meanings extended metaphorically to organizing resources, people, and systems - what we today understand as the essence of management.

The Global Evolution of Management as a Discipline

Historically, the practice of management existed long before the term. Ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China demonstrated complex administrative systems. The building of pyramids, the organization of imperial bureaucracy in China, or Roman military logistics all required managerial thinking.

However, management as a formal discipline emerged during the Industrial Revolution (18th-19th century), as large-scale factories and complex production processes demanded systematic coordination. Pioneers like Adam Smith emphasized division of labour, while Frederick Winslow Taylor introduced "Scientific Management" in the early 20th century, advocating for efficiency, time-motion studies, and managerial specialization.

Henri Fayol, Max Weber, and Elton Mayo contributed additional dimensions - structural, bureaucratic, and human-relational - to management thought. By mid-20th century, management evolved into an academic discipline, with business schools such as Harvard and Wharton formalizing curricula in areas like operations, finance, marketing, and organizational behaviour.

Management in the Indian Context

India's managerial tradition can be traced to ancient texts like the Arthashastra by Kautilya (4th century BCE), which outlined govemance, economics, and statecraft with remarkable clarity. The Manusmriti and Mahabharata also contained reflections on ethical leadership, resource management, and social organization.

During colonial rule, management practice in India was largely modelled on British administrative systems, focusing on bureaucracy rather than innovation. However, post-independence, with the establishment of public sector enterprises and the Planning Commission, management assumed a central role in National development.

The 1950s and 60s saw the institutionalization of management education with the founding of premier institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IlMs) in Calcutta (1961) and Ahmedabad (1961), often in collaboration with international institutions like MIT and Harvard. These institutions aimed to train a cadre of professional managers who could lead both public and private enterprises in a newly industrializing India.

Management as a Subject: Growth in Education

Globally, the rise of MBA programs in the 20th century reflected the growing demand for trained managers. In India, the 1980s and 90s saw rapid expansion of management education beyond the IIMs, with universities and private institutions offering MBA and BBA programs.

The liberalization of the Indian economy in 1991 further boosted the relevance of management studies, aligning with the needs of a competitive, globalized market. Academic management today encompasses specializations ranging from strategic management and HRM to entrepreneurship and sustainable business. Interdisciplinary in nature, it draws from economics, psychology, sociology, and systems theory.

The Manipuri Landscape: Practice and Pedagogy

In Manipur, traditional forms of management have existed in community governance (like the panchayati raj system), in indigenous institutions (Marups, Loishangs, and village councils), and in the coordination of agrarian and artisanal activities. These informal systems reflect deeply ingrained managerial principles - resource allocation, leadership, consensus-building, and conflict resolution.

Formal management education in Manipur began gaining ground in the late 20th century. Institutions like Manipur University and several private colleges now offer MBA, BBA, and related programs, responding to the growing aspirations of youth and the region's integration with National and global economies.

Practically, management is increasingly evident in Manipur's expanding entrepreneurship ecosystem - especially in sectors like handloom and handicrafts, organic farming, tourism, and digital services. NGOs, Government schemes, and start-up rely on managerial competence for sustainability and impact.

However, challenges remain such as limited industrial base, infrastructural constraints, and the need for context-sensitive curricula. Yet, there is an emerging recognition that management education in Manipur must evolve beyond textbook models. It must blend local wisdom with global frameworks - training students not just in corporate theory, but also in social entrepreneurship, ethical governance, and culturally rooted innovation.

Conclusion : Toward a Culturally Grounded, Future-Oriented Management

The journey of management - from its linguistic birth to its global academic stature - reflects humanity's persistent need to coordinate, optimize, and lead. In India, and specifically Manipur, this journey continues to unfold, shaped by local realities and global shifts.

As Manipur positions itself within a changing Northeast India and a rising India, the discipline of management offers not only professional opportunities but also frameworks for inclusive development, peacebuilding, and sustainable growth. It is not just about managing business - it is about managing change, wisely and wisely rooted.