What are the key differences between Office Administration and Office Management?

Management and administration may seem the same, but there are differences between the two. Administration has to do with the setting up of objectives and crucial policies of every organization. What is understood by management, however, is the act or function of putting into practice the policies and plans decided upon by the administration.

Administration is a determinative function, while management is an executive function. It also follows that administration makes the important decisions of an enterprise in its entirety, whereas management makes the decisions within the confines of the framework, which is set up by the administration.

Administration is the top level, whereas management is a middle level activity.

Office managers and office administrators are similar and often require you to supervise clerical staff and monitor budgeting. However, they are different positions. Office administrators coordinate office functions. Office managers are the leaders that set the direction for the office. Differences in Responsibilities o The office manager makes decisions that organize the flow of work. As an office manager, you lead the administrative personnel, oversee payroll and hire staff. You're part of the management team and sometimes take part in executive meetings. The office administrator runs the day-to-day functions of the office. As an office administrator, you coordinate administrative duties and reconcile accounts payable and accounts receivable. A major difference in the two positions is that the office manager is accountable for accurate financial projections and tracking. Required Qualifications o You can secure employment in either occupation with a minimum of a high-school diploma. However, office managers will fare better with a bachelor's degree in business or management. Experience requirements vary, depending on the employer. Office administrators should have a least one year of administrative experience. For office manager, many job announcements state four years of experience; many employers also desire a strong leadership background. o Pay Differences o Pay varies greatly. An office administrator with several years experience might make more than a novice office manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business office managers fall under administrative service managers and make a median salary of $81,080. The job site Monster lists the salary range for office managers between $24,960 and $62,400. For office administrator, job announcements have listed salaries up to $27,000 a year.

Offce Administration - Co-ordinate the functions of the staff or team.

Office Management - Manages the team or staff (so that they function properly)