ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some of the most common theories and considers how they relate to the management of early childhood education and care settings. It explores why it is important for the manager in a specialised area to have the related training and experience in order to be able to fulfil the duties in an appropriate manner and help increase organisational productivity and service quality. Not many managers use a singular theory or concept when implementing strategies in the workplace, but they commonly apply a combination of a number of theories, depending on the type of workplace, purpose and workforce. The chapter examines the concept of leadership and management. It describes that management must not be confused with leadership even though both are essential to an effectively run service. Working in management is not necessarily for everybody.
