General managers are the backbone of diverse businesses, including factories, offices, restaurants, retail stores, and hotels. You oversee daily operations, branches, or departments in this pivotal role, handling many tasks. Your responsibilities are broad, from managing employees and finances to resolving customer issues and nurturing company culture. While there’s no fixed path to becoming a general manager, understanding education, experience, and skill requirements is crucial.

Strong business acumen, leadership skills, and strategic thinking are essential. Additionally, exploring salary expectations, job outlook, and potential work environments can provide valuable insights into this dynamic career path. As a general manager, you ensure organisational success and growth. Nowadays, multiple great general management courses will help you create a rewarding and impactful career choice.

What is general management?

General management spans various industries, with general managers overseeing employees and day-to-day operations within a branch or department. For instance, while assistant managers or supervisors may be present in a retail chain, a general manager is responsible for everything at a specific location. They supervise all employees and report to regional or corporate executives.

Standard job titles in general management:

• Operations Manager: Responsible for daily operations in diverse settings like stores, restaurants, hotels, or factories.
• Branch Manager: Manages a specific branch or location within a larger company with multiple sites across a broader geographic area. This title is typical in larger organisations.

General Managers are essential across industries, making them highly sought after.

Various sectors hire General Managers, including:

• Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Travel & Tourism
• Information Technology
• Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)

Scope for general management

Technological advancements have simplified business establishment, leading to a surge in domestic and international competition across various industries. Consequently, there’s a growing need for adept business leaders capable of propelling companies forward. Operational efficiency is a crucial determinant of business success. As a result, general management skills, like those outlined earlier, are now highly sought after in the professional landscape.

Four Vital functions of general management

Management roles entail a broader set of responsibilities than other positions within a business and require adeptness in navigating various challenges. Henri Fayol originally identified five management elements, now commonly condensed into four functions: planning, organising, leading, and controlling.

Planning:

• Managers create plans to achieve company goals by allocating resources, delegating tasks, and setting realistic timelines.
• They continually monitor progress and adjust plans as needed while keeping sight of larger company objectives.
• Planning involves independent decision-making and effective communication with company leadership and team members.

Organising:

• Organisational skills are crucial for ensuring smooth operations within a company or department.
• Managers establish processes, assign tasks, and ensure employees have what they need to succeed.
• They adapt and reorganise structures in response to new challenges or company growth.

Leading:

• Managers provide direction and guidance to their teams, instilling confidence and motivation.
• They communicate goals, processes, and policies clearly and effectively.
• Leadership involves supporting and encouraging team members, resolving conflicts, and modelling positive behaviour.

Controlling:

• Managers monitor employee performance, work quality, and project efficiency to ensure alignment with company goals.
• They implement quality control measures and make necessary adjustments to optimise business success.
• Control in management involves continuous evaluation and adaptation to meet evolving business needs. 

What is the process of general management?

• Planning: Setting company goals, allocating resources, and establishing strategies to achieve objectives.
• Organising: Structuring tasks, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring efficient organisational workflows.
• Leading: Providing direction, motivating employees, and fostering a positive work culture.
• Controlling: Monitoring performance, evaluating outcomes, and adjusting to optimise results.
• Decision-making: Analyzing data, assessing risks, and making strategic choices to drive business success.

What is executive general management?

Executive general management is the highest management level within an organisation. It typically involves senior executives overseeing multiple departments or functional areas. These executives are responsible for setting strategic direction, guiding overall operations, and ensuring the organisation meets its objectives and goals. Executive general managers often report directly to the CEO or board of directors and play a key role in shaping the company’s long-term vision and success. 

Key differences: general management vs. executive general management

General Management:

• Focuses on foundational principles and skills required for managing teams and departments.
• It is typically aimed at mid-level managers or individuals transitioning into management roles.
• It covers various management topics, such as strategic planning, finance, operations, and leadership.

Executive General Management:

• It is geared towards senior-level executives and leaders responsible for guiding the organisation’s direction.
• Emphasises advanced strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership capabilities.
• Addresses the complex challenges of top-level management, including setting an organisational vision, driving growth, and overseeing multiple departments or business units.

Benefits of a general management programme

General Managers are top-level executives who oversee various operations within a company, that includes looking after sales, marketing, and operations. They manage revenue and costs, making critical decisions to ensure the company’s financial health. General Managers are responsible for planning, delegating tasks, coordinating efforts, and making strategic decisions.

Unlike managers focused on specific areas, general managers oversee overall organizational performance and growth by ensuring smooth operations across departments. Due to its comprehensive scope and strategic impact, management professionals highly desire a career in general management.

Studying general management can pave the way for landing specific jobs or thriving in various industries. While work experience is invaluable, an education in general management or a related field can enhance your prospects, with many companies requiring at least a bachelor’s degree for general management roles. Here’s a structured overview of why studying general management could be beneficial, along with preferred qualifications and considerations for pursuing higher education.

Reasons to Study General Management:

• Ready to advance in your career in your current industry or company?
• Interested in starting and managing your own business
• Eager to improve leadership skills.
• They are seeking skills and knowledge to succeed in the business world.
• Wanting to enhance resume and increase competitiveness.
• They are looking to expand their job prospects by acquiring new skills
• Someone aspired to earn a higher salary and build a professional network.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pursue a bachelor’s degree in general management or a related field.
• Consider obtaining a master’s degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), to accelerate your career prospects.
• MBA programs typically require work experience, a good undergraduate GPA, vital GRE or GMAT scores, and letters of recommendation.
• While only sometimes necessary, an advanced degree can significantly enhance career opportunities, particularly in industries or roles requiring higher-level management skills.

Conclusion

Through a practical curriculum covering strategic planning, organisational development, and leadership, participants gain vital skills for senior management roles. By embracing these principles, professionals can enhance their leadership abilities, drive organisational growth, and make a lasting impact in today’s business world. There are multiple executive general management programme IIM courses available that can effectively take you to a new and exciting career path.