The direction of the organization depends on the person in charge of administration.
An administrator , in the context of organizations and companies, is a professional in charge of planning the activities of an entity in order to achieve its objectives. Their role, which may be that of a director, coordinator , manager or organizer, is essential for the proper functioning and effectiveness of the company.
Managers are responsible for developing strategies and plans that guide the direction of the organization , structure human and material resources, lead and motivate team members, supervise and evaluate their performance, and make key decisions for collective success. In short, they play a central role that combines coordination , planning and direction, with a clear focus on effectiveness.
Business administrator
- CEO (Executive Director) : is the top executive of a company and has overall responsibility for making strategic decisions and leading the company's vision;
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer) : is responsible for the financial management of the company, including financial planning, accounting and risk analysis;
- COO (Director of Operations) – oversees the daily operations of the company, ensuring efficiency and effective implementation of strategies.
Technology administrators
- Systems administrator – responsible for the administration and maintenance of an organization's computer systems;
- network administrator : in charge de la planificación, implementación y mantenimiento de la infraestructura de red de una empresa;
- database administrator – manages and ensures the integrity, security and efficiency of an organization's databases.
Administrators in the public sector
- Public administrator : responsible for the management and coordination of activities in the government sphere, ensuring compliance with public policies and objectives;
- civil administrator : participates in the administration of public services and government activities.
Administrators in education and health
- Academic director : responsible for the academic and administrative management of educational institutions;
- healthcare administrator – supervises operations and resources in the healthcare sector, ensuring the efficiency of medical and hospital services.
Property and asset managers
- Property Manager – Responsible for the management and maintenance of real estate;
- property manager : manages rural properties, ensuring their proper functioning and productivity;
- asset manager : manages portfolios of financial, real estate or other assets, maximizing their value and performance .
All the administrator's tasks are oriented towards achieving the objectives of his company.
Origin and evolution
The role of the administrator has evolved throughout history, adapting to the changing needs and contexts of society. Although management as a formal discipline is relatively recent, its principles and practices have existed informally since ancient times, since it is almost impossible to imagine a community without a boss , an advisor or a team leader.
In ancient times, in civilizations such as the Egyptian, Babylonian, Chinese and Greek , elements of organization and management can be identified in the construction of monuments, resource administration and project planning . During the Middle Ages , feudal structures and the decentralization of power limited the formal development of administration. With the Renaissance, there was a resurgence of interest in knowledge and efficiency, laying the foundation for administrative thought.
The real push toward formalizing the role of the administrator occurred during the Industrial Revolution . The change from an agrarian to an industrial economy generated the need for more efficient management of resources, time and labor. Figures such as Frederick Taylor , pioneer of scientific management, proposed methods to increase productivity by standardizing processes and applying scientific principles.
In the 20th century, several related theories and approaches were consolidated. Henri Fayol , with his classical theory, highlighted the general principles of administration, while Max Weber introduced the idea of bureaucracy as an efficient form of organization. After World War II, globalization and the complexity of organizations led to new management theories, such as contingency theory , which recognized the need to adapt management to specific circumstances.
The manager must be able to lead his team and communicate effectively with his members.
Skills and competencies
The skills and competencies of the administrator are essential to successfully perform the leadership and management role in an organization. Let's look at some of them below:
- Leadership – An effective manager must be able to inspire, motivate, and guide his or her team toward achieving the organization's goals. This, which can be seen in a good supervisor, involves the ability to positively influence others and provide clear direction;
- Decision making : As you constantly face crucial situations (as a manager leading a company), the ability to make informed decisions, evaluate risks, and consider diverse perspectives is essential. Additionally, you must do so quickly and efficiently in pressure situations;
- Effective communication : It is essential to convey information, goals and expectations in an understandable way. Administrators must be skilled in the use of oral and written words, as well as active listening. Effective communication fosters a collaborative work environment and avoids misunderstandings, something especially necessary for a project manager or area director , for example;
- resource management : both human and material. This involves allocating tasks effectively, optimizing time and financial resources, and ensuring that individual talents are used strategically to achieve organizational objectives;
- strategic thinking : understanding the long-term vision of the organization, anticipating changes in the business environment, and developing plans to meet future challenges. Strategic thinking allows the manager to make decisions that benefit the organization in the long term;
- Adaptability – In an ever-changing business environment, adaptability is essential. Managers must be able to adjust to new circumstances, embrace change, and lead their teams through transitions. This also includes continually learning and staying up to date on best practices and trends in the industry;
- Problem solving – It is a key skill for managers. It is about identifying, analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The ability to find creative solutions and take corrective action when necessary is essential to maintaining progress and overcoming obstacles.
These skills and competencies are interdependent and complement each other. An effective manager must balance these to lead teams effectively and contribute to the long-term success of the organization. Additionally, continuous learning and adaptability are crucial to staying relevant in dynamic business environments.