Management Interview Questions

Check out the top 70 Management interview questions

Check out the top 70 Management interview questions

This blog on ” Management interview questions” can help aspirants to crack the interview.

1. What is project management?

Project management is the process that involves the completion of all tasks related to a specific project and its objectives within a given time frame. The process includes the utilization of managerial skills, knowledge, and methods on a basic level to carry out different aspects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and delivering a project within agreed parameters. The final deliverables are usually constrained to a specific budget and timeline. If you are new to project management and looking to start your career from the scratch then enroll in this free project management course offered by Great Learning and master the basics.

2. What is risk management?

Risk management is the process that involves reducing the severity of the adverse effects by proactively identifying potential risks in advance within an organization. The five basic yet effective risk management strategies that can be employed in most scenarios or facets of professional life include identification, analysis, retention, loss prevention, and proactive reduction. When followed properly, these steps can effectively minimize the possibility as well as the negative impacts of risk. 

3. What is time management?

Time management is a process that involves conscious planning and organizing tasks to divide the time between specific activities and prioritize important tasks. Time management skills enable individuals to manage their activity schedule and make optimal use of time as per one’s expediency. Good time management results in maximum productivity and increased efficiency. 

4. What is asset management? 

Asset management refers to a systematic approach of maintaining, upgrading and managing the funds or assets for individuals and companies. It is a total lifecycle system followed by data managers to mine, store, govern, archive and utilize data as a vital resource. Asset management firms invest cost-effectively on behalf of individuals or companies in various stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.  

5. What is operations management?

Operations management is an area of management that is chiefly concerned with the administration of business practices to facilitate planning, organizing and supervising the process of production of services or redesigning business operations. As such, the process focuses on maximizing the organisation’s delivery/output and profits by effectively improving the conversion of materials into goods/services. Some key functions performed by Operation Manager include production or manufacturing design, supply chain management, delivery management and forecasting.

6. Why is time management important?

Time management is efficiently planning and consciously utilizing time and prioritising tasks better to increase productivity. The three Ps of time management includes planning, prioritising, and Performing that can be applied to organize work and reduce procrastination properly.  

7. What is a management consulting?

Management Consulting is the practice of helping organizations or businesses improve performance by providing professional solutions to current problems. Companies may need Management Consultants for various tasks such as hiring workforce, retaining and managing clients gathering data to analyse company problems, and implementing solutions for financial growth.  

8. What is product management?

Product management is a strategic function that enables companies to manage every step of a product’s lifecycle. The product managers are tasked to choose, develop and sell products or technologies for end-users. The ultimate goal of product management is to build the right product and continually monitor and improve it to achieve higher customer satisfaction.   

9. What is inventory management?

Inventory management refers to the process of managing and storing various aspects of a company’s inventory, such as storing raw materials, overseeing purchases, handling orders, etc., throughout the entire supply chain. The ultimate goal is to keep track of the inventory, starting from the procurement of goods to the delivery. An inventory management system enables companies to buy an adequate amount of inventory and save costs. 

10. What is customer relationship management?

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) refers to a process, tools and techniques used by companies or organizations to monitor their interactions with the customers. Today when we hear about CRM, it usually means a software system that helps business owners stay organized with easy access to data during the entire customer lifecycle, such as contact information, purchase history, purchase behaviour, track key performance indicators, and anticipate customer’s needs and more. These days, cloud-based CRM solutions are more prevalent that boast convenience and heightened access to customer information using internet connectivity.

11. What is human resource management?

Human resource management involves employing, training, managing and compensating employees in a company or organization. It essentially involves all management decisions and actions to optimize company performance by managing people within that company. The key steps involved in HR management include planning, organizing, procuring, developing, assessing and managing human resources to achieve organizational goals. 

12. What is sports management?

Sports management is the field of business that deals with sports and recreational activities. A sports manager is responsible for planning, organizing, budgeting and evaluating to lead an organization in the sports industry properly. Sports managers work for schools, professional teams, colleges and government agencies. 

13. What is knowledge management?

Knowledge management is a discipline that involves processes or techniques required to capture, use, analyze, evaluate, and retrieve the right knowledge to make the best use of organizational objectives. Four key components of knowledge management include people, processes, content and strategy. The main objective of knowledge management is to make informed decisions and improve efficiency by minimizing the time required to rediscover knowledge.

14. What is performance management?

Performance management is an ongoing process that involves creating a work environment that aligns individuals to the organisation’s strategic goals so that the output meets the set goals in an effective manner. Performance management also looks at ways to improve employee performance and meet future goals or objectives. 

15. What is business management?

Business management is a discipline that deals with the organization, planning and analyzing different activities or types to allocate resources better managers supervise a company’s operations and accomplish a range of tasks such as implementing business strategies, supervising employees, and evaluating key performance indicators to ensure productivity and efficiency. 

16. What is strategic management?

Strategic management is the field of management that involves setting goals and implementing them to make an organization more competitive. It also includes developing and designing plans and policies to allocate resources better and improve the organization’s performance. The five Ps of strategy management includes – plan, ploy, pattern, position and perspective. 

17. What is data management?

Data management is a discipline that involves processing, acquiring, validating and managing data to ensure its accessibility and reliability for its users. Data management can be of various types, such as customer relationship systems, analytical tools to analyze data and more. With access to up-to-date and reliable data, companies can respond efficiently to changing market and customer needs. It is a total lifecycle system followed by data managers to mine, store, govern, archive and utilize data as a vital resource.   

18. How to improve time management?

There are many ways to improve time management skills. The five key steps for efficient time management include planning and prioritizing work, eliminating unnecessary distractions and staying focused, being structured, knowing when to multi-task, and being conscious of timelines. Some key time management skills include delegation, multi-tasking, strategic thinking, scheduling and problem-solving. However, one of the best time management strategies involves creating a time audit so that you can set a time limit for your tasks. 

19. What is your management style?

It is usually hard to put the finger on one particular management style. Still, in general, a good manager is an authority figure capable of giving good directions and is also available to offer guidance or expertise when needed. A good manager has a clear vision and can communicate it to his peers or teammates and convince them to fulfil it.   

20. What is a content management system?

Often abbreviated as CMS, Content Management System is an application or computer software used to manage web content while allowing multiple creators to create, edit and publish content via a single platform. CMS system usually stores the entire content in one place and support effortless collaboration or deploying web content.

21. What is program management?

Program management involves coordinated planning, execution and management operations of multiple projects with a common underlying goal to improve performance. 

A program manager is responsible for coordinating organization’s projects and ensure that it aligns with its objectives.   

22. What is talent management?

Talent management is a continuous process that involves identifying, attracting and retaining high-quality employees and getting them on board to develop their skills. It results in the development of a high-performing workforce. Talent management is an integral part of the company’s HR process and follows after a high-quality candidate is hired.  

23. What is hospitality management?

Hospitality management is the study of overseeing administrative and operational tasks on a day-to-day basis. It is a field of business study that teaches the management aspects of hotels, resorts and similar concepts. Hospitality managers are responsible for overseeing the staff and ensuring that guests have a pleasant experience. 

24. What is information management?

Information management is a cyclical process that includes identifying, collecting, storing, archiving, developing and distributing information products and services. The main goal of information management is to innovate and create value for organizations, individuals, societies and communities. 

25. What is resource management?

Resource management is a process that enables businesses to manage various resources efficiently. It is a total lifecycle system followed by data managers to mine, store, govern, archive, and utilize data as a vital resource. There are many types of resource management, such as human resource management, financial management, project management, public asset management, enterprise management, infrastructure management, etc. The main goal of resource management is to maximize resource efficiency and fulfill organizational goals in time. 

26. What is conflict management?

Conflict management is a process used to resolve disputes and minimize their negative impacts. Conflict management aims to create a professional and positive workspace that encourages productivity and growth. While managing any conflict, managers act as calming agents and listen actively to reach a decision that serves as a pacifying solution for all.   

27. What is quality management?

Quality management is a system that oversees all activities and tasks to achieve the desired level of excellence in products or services. Its main goal is to make sure that a certain product or service is consistent. It is usually determined by quality planning, assurance, quality control and improvement.

28. What is leadership in management?

Business leadership is defined as the capacity of an organization’s management to achieve desired goals and establish a competitive edge while inspiring others in the best possible way they can. Leadership is the direct function of management and focuses on planning, directing, organizing, controlling and motivating people to achieve common objectives or goals. 

29. What is marketing management?

Marketing management refers to the process of managing the marketing aspects of a business or firm as a means of generating profitable revenue. The process involves strategic planning and implementation of marketing strategies to achieve the desired marketing goals. 

30. What is supply chain management, and why is it important?

Supply chain management is a discipline in commerce that deals with the management of the flow of goods or services. It involves the streamlining of different processes of a business that includes – procuring raw materials, storage solutions, inventory management, end-to-end distribution and order fulfilment. 

Supply chain management is an important part of big retail businesses as manufacturers and retailers depend on it to distribute products and keep their customers happy quickly. Efficient supply chain management directly leads to the success of businesses.  

31. What is working capital management?

Working capital management is a tool that helps businesses make effective use of their assets to maintain cash flow and meet short-term goals or objectives. The four main components of working capital include – inventory, trade payables, cash and bank balances and trade receivables. The working capital management ensures that a company pays for its day to day expenses and can manage current liabilities to ensure the short-term liquidity of the organization.  

32. What is sales management?

Sales management is implementing strategies and tactics to develop, coordinate and manage sales operations within an organization. Sales management is essential for businesses where the revenue stream is less consistent or where no revenue is generated at all. It is one of the most important business functions. Sales managers are responsible for assigning sales targets, mentoring sales teams, building a working sales plan, setting quotas and hiring salespeople. 

33. What is event management?

Event management deals with the creation, development and management of small scale or large-scale events that may be personal or professional in nature. Event managers are responsible for planning, budgeting, scheduling, venue selection, event security, catering, coordinating transportation, arranging décor and music, acquiring necessary permits, etc., during the undertaking of an event.

34. What is planning in management?

Planning is the function of management that requires managers to set objectives and determine the course of action required to achieve those. They are also responsible for identifying the problems or challenges faced by their organization and forecast future conditions or outcomes. An example of management planning is to raise profits by 40 per cent in 8 months.

35. How do you motivate yourself?

I enjoy my work, so that is the biggest motivating factor for me to give my full potential to the tasks. Success is another motivating factor for me. I make sure to celebrate even my smallest successes by looking for new ideas, learning new things continually, and dividing complex tasks into simpler ones to achieve professional goals that align with my work values and the company’s vision. 

36. How would your boss and co-workers describe you?

If my co-workers or boss had to describe me, they would use two words – hard-working and disciplined. Hard-working because in the past years of my employment, I have been committed to the tasks at hand and completed each one of them and received appreciation from my peers. Disciplined because I am never late to work, and I work diligently no matter what.

37. What do you like to do outside of work?

I have many hobbies and interests such as reading books and playing tennis. I like to stay fit and exercise regularly. On the days when I don’t like to exercise, I play tennis with my friend. Reading books based on professional athletes, politicians, and history fascinates me a lot. I aim to read two to three books in a month.

38. How do you like to be managed?

I’m a self-motivated person and go-getter, so my previous managers didn’t need to repeat things to me once they got them across. I have also been a team player, and I learned and ensured that I evolved along with my team. My previous manager trusted me to get my job done in a professional manner and expressed flexibility in my approach to doing things. I would prefer to grow with my team by setting clear goals and offer valuable insights to achieve those goals.    

39. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?

I’m ambitious and a go-getter. I have thoroughly planned my career for the next five years. I have broken my goals into small, achievable goals for every year. As I will keep on achieving higher positions in my professional career, I will aim for much higher and focus on aligning the skills I acquire on my journey to achieve my long-term goals. I am open to learning new things and get hands-on experience on emerging technologies. 

40. What is the most challenging thing about being a manager?

The most challenging thing about being a manager is to handle your and your team’s performance, but at the same time, it is the most rewarding aspect of a manager’s role. While it is easy to handle one’s performance, it can be a bit difficult to do the same for your team. So, it is important to set clear expectations from them, motivate them so that they don’t lose focus and measure their performance consistently to accomplish tasks. 

41. What do you think your employees would say about your management style?

If my employees had to describe my management style, they would use straightforward and strong yet flexible words. They would say that I am always open to communication and provide them with the tools they need to get things done. In my recent years of experience, we grew as a team of 4 to 9 in a span of 10 months, which I am very proud of. 

42. What are the qualities of a successful manager?

A successful manager, in my opinion, is a true leader who has a clear vision and shares this vision with the team. He should be able to motivate his employees in tough times and make sure that they don’t lose their focus. A successful manager must take the team and the company to work on the same objectives and monitor the performance of employees to make sure that they are working at the peak of their ability. 

43. How do you motivate your employees in tough times?

As a manager and leader, I believe it is important to create an atmosphere of positivity and focus so that the employees remain consistent in their efforts. It is important to encourage the team members to achieve weekly or monthly goals. The team members who complete a particular project or task ahead of time deserve a pat on the back through appreciation emails. 

44. How would you explain your management style?

It would be hard for me to put the finger on one style of management as I believe I display a multitude of managerial styles depending on the situation and tasks at hand. But overall, I display excellent leadership skills, and I’m ready to jump to offer guidance and help if my teammates need it. I go out of my way to help my peers and do informal check-ups to know what they are doing and what progress has been made. 

Example – I remember one project that I was assigned at my recent position. It required my team to work on separate aspects of a product. Instead of indulging myself in repetitive meetings, I created a group where we could exchange ideas, ask queries, etc., without interrupting another member’s work. Ultimately, the project ended with a cohesive product, and the team did not need to burn out while creating it. 

45. Do you have an example of when you motivated your staff using a reward?

I decided on a promotional reward that would make my teammates work enthusiastically for it. Then I communicated the reward to my entire team to make sure they understood it properly and set a time for completion. Every day each teammate had to keep track of the progress and share it with me. The teammates could compare their progress with each other, which made them accountable and motivated to complete the goal and win the reward. 

46. Describe how you would manage your workweek.

I would first compile a list of tasks in order of their priority. Then I will use Monday to start my week with high-priority tasks. I will also set up deadlines and tasks to be completed by the end of the week. I will also ensure to allocate extra time for the tasks that may come up or unexpected activities. I would monitor my performance by the end of each day to assess how close I’m to accomplish my goal by the weekend. 

47. How do you keep updated on your management skills?

I listen attentively to the feedback that my superiors give me and implement them. I also read books on the subject matter and subscribe to the newsletter to stay updated with the recent progress made in my field. From time to time, I enrol in professional courses that can help polish my skills and contribute to my learning journey so that when the time comes, I am able to utilize those skills and take on any task with confidence.  

48. What is your greatest strength?

If I have to describe my greatest strengths, they would be – good communication skills, relationship building and the ability to multitask. I possess excellent communication skills, and I’m always open to offer guidance and tips that further helps me collaborate with my employees well. I can quickly adapt and am able to juggle many tasks at hand. As a communicator, I am good at building professional relationships and am willing to take initiatives that would benefit the organization.  

49. How do you adapt to change? 

As a manager, I should be the first to adapt to change and lead by example in front of my employees. First, I collect all the information regarding the change and try to understand its possible implications as well as positive aspects. So, I adjust accordingly and then communicate to my employees by showing my buy-in to the change.

50. How would you go about disciplining an employee who is continually underperforming?

As a manager, I’d have a conversation with the employee and would give them the chance to improve while setting certain expectations from him. I’d share ideas, strategies and tips to help guide and motivate them. I would also convey what will happen in the worst-case scenario if they fail to perform. 

However, if the employee fails to perform despite all efforts, then I will follow the company protocols and take the necessary steps. Then I would have a conversation with the employee about how they fail to meet the expectations and what actions will follow. If the employee still fails to improve, then necessary disciplinary steps will be continued. 

51. How do you communicate an expectation to an employee?

I will have a face to face conversation with the employee, preferably to communicate the expectation clearly. I will strive to minimize confusion by laying down exactly what needs to be done by sharing a checklist and examples on how to go about it.  

After it is conveyed, I will ask them about any questions or doubts they have regarding it and ensure that we both are on the same page in understanding those expectations. 

52. How do you show confidence in your employee’s ability when you assign them a task?

When I decide to delegate a certain task, I will first think about why should I choose the employee for the particular task. After I exchange the task information with the employee, I will share all the necessary resources required to accomplish it within the set deadline. I will also follow up with the progress of that task as well as the deadline. In the meantime, I will also make sure to show my confidence in the employee’s ability to undertake and complete the task. 

53. How do you go about coaching an employee who is not performing where they need to be?

I will have open communication with the employee regarding the expectation of their performance and the progress they have made so far. I will show them where they are currently and what needs to be done to improve it further. 

Depending on the response, I will guide them with the necessary tips and steps required to fulfil the expectation and motivate them further to show my confidence in their ability to improve their performance. I would set the expectation straight that they should strive for improvement.   

Also Read: Marketing Management – The Ultimate Guide

54. How do you manage the performance of your employees?

I will start by setting small and achievable goals for my employees and track their progress. I will regularly share my feedback with the employees on their performance and how can they improve it further.  

55. What type of pace do you work at?

I work at a steady pace, and on some days, it may change if I have to juggle between multiple projects or perform high-priority tasks. 

56. What are some of your weaknesses?

I believe that I get carried away with my passion for work and sometimes start multiple projects at a time. When this happens, I try to take a step back and prioritize my work and focus on one task at a time.

57. Why should we hire you?

(Best to refer to the job description and company’s core values)

I believe that I am a hard-working, driven, confident and excellent communicator. I possess all the qualities required for this job profile and can add value to the organization. I would strive to take my team as well as the organization to the next level while giving my best.  

58. How do you establish rapport with new employees?

I will have an initial one-on-one meeting with the new employees to let them know about the work culture and convey my expectations. I would also learn how they would like to be managed and how can they reach out to me for any guidance. That’s how I will ensure that I have effective communication with them. 

59. How do you handle failure?

In the event of failure, I will take a step back to go to the point where I can understand why it happened. I would retrace my steps back to know what I could have done better. Also, I will take failure in good stride as a learning lesson and ensure that I do not make the same mistake again. 

60. How would you go about disagreeing with your supervisor about a decision that you know is not the right one?

I would always try to have a strong rapport with my supervisor so that when situations like these come up, I can go and speak directly to them without hesitation. I would convey to them the implications of a certain decision and present facts to accompany my statement. Then, if they agree or willing to give heed to, I’d present them with better alternatives. 

61. How would you solve a problem if an employee reports it to you?

If an employee reports a problem to me, I would first listen proactively and then review all the facts around it. After analyzing everything, I’d take the most appropriate action.

62. How do you evaluate success?

As a manager, I would evaluate success by accomplishing goals that have been set forth by the superiors or the organization. In addition to that, appraisal comments on juniors/ fellow team members who seek my guidance and expertise highlight meaningful success as well. 

63. Do you consider yourself successful?

I have always been learning new skills and evolving in my professional career. In recent times, I got the opportunity to learn new skills that helped me advanced my career further and also added extra weightage to my CV. I’d call myself successful as a manager because I kept on evolving in my role and gained the admiration of my seniors while adding value to the organizations I worked with. Creating a happy and positive space for subordinates have an impact on personal and organizational success.

64. What motivates you?

I find inspiration and motivation in even the smallest things. I felt particularly energized when I accomplished high-value work for my organization and got accolades for completing it within the tight deadline as well as budget. (Give an example of how you are your team performed on the project or how a certain situation motivated you to get a promotion)  

65. What did you find most rewarding about your previous position?

I found it very rewarding that I grew my team and took up a higher position while managing them in my previous role. Not only that, but my teammates also moved to different roles in their respective professional careers. There is truly nothing rewarding than seeing people grow around you and achieve their full potential. 

66. What are your future goals if you get hired for this position?

As a part of your company, I see myself contributing as much value as I can. I would continue learning and growing while taking on additional responsibilities and utilising my maximum potential to deliver the best results. 

67. How will you motivate a person who seems reluctant to take the task?

I will have face to face conversations with the person to understand the reluctance to do the task. Once I evaluate what was holding them back, I will help them ensure that they have all the necessary tools required to complete the task. I would also motivate them by offering a reward or incentive that they will gain upon completing that task. 

68. How would you go about a conversation where you want an employee to leave the organization?

I would clearly communicate with the employee on what was expected of them how they failed to deliver the results. I would also share their track record in the company and tie that in with the decision to leave the organization mainly due to the lack of performance.

69. How do you manage your work?

I manage my work by first prioritizing the tasks and delegating them to the employees if needed. I will start with high-priority tasks and set deadlines to finish them in time so that I can proceed with other tasks. I will also allocate extra time to finish unexpected or impromptu tasks. 

70. Do you take your work home?

I understand the importance of getting tasks done within the set timelines. So, if the job demands me to work extra and get those tasks done faster, I would not shy away from taking work home. 

71. What do you think might be the most challenging part of this job position?

(Refer to the job profile)

I believe that, for starters, it will be relationship building with my peers. It usually takes time to build relationships, but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of the job position.

72. Do you have any experience with setting budgets?

Yes, I have set budgets in my previous employment and have been quite good at them. I usually set the budget on certain metrics, such as daily expenses or the cost of typical activity. (Share an example from a previous job how well you performed while setting budgets and if you helped the company in cost savings)

73. What was the least rewarding part of your previous job position?

I believe it was on an occasional basis, but I found it less rewarding to do some paperwork for other departments. 

74. How do you solve problems?

I started by finding out as much as I could about the problem. Then I look for possible solutions and also take into account valuable inputs of my team or superiors. Based on the gathered information, I chose the most effective way to tackle the problem and tackle it with the appropriate solution. 

75. An employee wants a promotion; however, they are not qualified for the new position. How would you have the conversation with the employee?

I would sit with them for a conversation where I would convey about the desired skills or qualifications required to fulfil the job criteria and how they lack them at the time. Then I would encourage the employee to not lose hope and set up an action plan to work on the skills required for the said job. I would regularly check their progress to make sure that they were on track.