Business administration involves managing the operations and daily resources needed to keep a business running. It is a vast field and includes various organisational departments such as Accounts, Marketing, Human Resources, etc.
The expertise and skills of a business administrator are required in all industries to ensure that all processes run smoothly and achieve company objectives. Those who wish to work in business administration can complete a Bachelor of Business Administration, followed by a Master of Business Administration at a later stage in their career.
In this article, we will cover what is business administration, the responsibilities of business administrators, and the career opportunities available in this field.
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Understanding the Role of Business Administrators
When we define what is business administration, in all organisations, the role of business administration is to help manage resources and operations efficiently so that the company can generate revenue and meet its objectives. Business administrators are responsible for their departments and must work cohesively with other teams to bring value to the company.
Business administration jobs require assertive leaders who are good communicators, decision-makers, and problem-solvers. Jobs for a business administrator are available in a variety of industries, from hospitality to banking. The following are the primary responsibilities of a Business Administrator:
1. Planning
Business Administrators help develop and implement business strategies and set short-term and long-term targets for their departments. They also create action plans to determine the resources required to complete the tasks.
2. Controlling
Their managerial duties require monitoring team and project progress using performance indicators. They also need to identify any challenges or areas of improvement and implement solutions.
3. Hiring
Administrators who work in Human Resources are responsible for hiring and retaining qualified candidates for open roles and training them for the job. They are also responsible for designing training programmes and measuring performance.
4. Organising
Business administrators are in charge of organisational structure and processes that will yield maximum results. They also help define each job profile’s roles and responsibilities so that each member knows their duties.
5. Directing Business Operations
They lead their teams and manage resources to achieve short- and long-term goals. Administrators also need to make decisions and resolve problems regarding pricing, suppliers, campaigns, etc.
6. Meeting Company Objectives
When we define what is business administration, the main goal is to generate revenue for the company. This is possible when all the departments work together to achieve a common goal.
Remember that the role of a business administrator can vary slightly depending on the industry in which they operate. For example, confidentiality and compliance are more significant in the banking and healthcare industries.
Let us answer what do business administrators do in specific industries and the skills they require.
Healthcare: Administrators are responsible for hospital budgets, resource allocation for surgeries, scheduling on-call doctors and nurses, and maintaining patient records.
Skills: Healthcare laws and ethics, HR management, budgeting, decision-making, analytical skills.
Hospitality: If students are wondering what is business administration professionalā€™s role in hospitality, it includes hotel and restaurant management, negotiating with vendors, staff management, and budgeting.
Skills: Marketing, customer relations, time management, negotiation.
Banking and Finance: In this industry, administrators help manage investments, assess risk, and divide strategies to improve a company’s financial health.
Skills: Financial regulations, accounting guidelines, client management, taxation laws.
E-commerce: Business administrators are responsible for inventory management, sales, logistics, and marketing campaigns.
Skills: Supply chain management, digital marketing, customer service, sales.
What are the Business Administration Educational Requirements?
Now that we have explored what is business administration, it is important to understand the educational qualifications required for a career in it.
Students interested in impactful business administration careers must consider completing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) before they enter the workforce. The BBA programme will help them gain foundational knowledge of various business principles and develop the skills required to be successful in business administration jobs. Students who complete the programme can apply for jobs in industries or departments that they are interested in.
After gaining a few years of experience, many business administrators can also pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This postgraduate qualification provides advanced business knowledge and skills that prepare professionals for upper management positions.
The Regenesys Business School is one of the best private institutes in South Africa, which offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business administration. The accredited programmes cover various functions of business administration and train students to meet their career goals.
Read more on How to Meet the Prerequisites for a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Degree? here
Exploring Business Administration Careers
For those wondering what is business administration and its scope, the simple answer is that it is relevant to industries and companies at all stages of their lifecycle.
Students who complete a BBA programme from Regenesys Business School will gain the foundational knowledge and skills to secure entry-level business administration jobs. As they gain experience, they can move to mid-level positions. However, remember that most companies prefer to hire managers with advanced business qualifications, such as an MBA.
In other words, business administration jobs are available at all levels of an organisation, and administrators play a strategic role in guiding companies from leadership positions.
When students seek an answer to what is business administration, the list of job profiles below will indicate that it is a vast field with career choices available in various departments:
Entry-Level Business Administration Jobs
- Business Analyst
- Social Media Specialist
- Marketing Associate
- Payroll Specialist
- Sales Representative
Mid-Level Business Administration Jobs
- Operations Manager
- Accounting Manager
- Human Resource Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Business Development Manager
Executive Level Business Administration Roles
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
The job profiles mentioned above are generic profiles available across industries. When students search for business administration jobs in a particular industry, such as retail or education, they will come across industry-specific roles.
We previously covered the role of business administration and the skills required to work in specific industries. To better understand the scope of business administration, let’s examine some specific jobs across industries.
- Healthcare
- Healthcare Strategist
- Senior Manager-Legal and Compliance
- Operations Manager for Hospital
- Banking and Finance
- Accounts and Operations Coordinator
- Finance Executive
- Risk Manager
- Retail
- Business Head – Exports
- E-commerce Operations Manager
- Fulfilment Manager
- Hospitality
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Event Coordinator
- Sales Manager
- Education
- Centre Manager
- Academic Coordinator
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
Read more on Career Opportunities In Business Administration
Business Administration Job Market in South Africa
This article has helped to answer what is business administration, but students are likely to question the job market for business administrators in South Africa.
With a growing economy, there is a high demand for qualified business administrators to fill entry-level to senior management positions. Students who complete a Bachelor of Business Administration will find that their skills are also required in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and family businesses.
On average, business administrators earn R219,000 annually, according to December 2024 figures available on Talent.com. However, this figure considers all job profiles, experience level, location, industry, etc.
The table below lists the average annual salary of some business administration roles in South Africa. The figures have been sourced from Talent.com and are updated as of December 2024.
| Business Administration Jobs | Average Annual Salary |
| Marketing Manager | R468,520 |
| Payroll Specialist | R480,000 |
| Operations Manager | R562,744 |
| Assistant Manager-Retail | R162,000 |
| Food and Beverage Manager | R360,000 |
| Business Analyst | R610,286 |
| Event Coordinator | R216,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | R900,000 |
Conclusion
Business administration is a broad field that involves managing the daily operations and resources needed to keep a business running smoothly. If we look to define what is business administrationin simple terms, it is the process of planning, organising, hiring, and directing business operations to meet company goals.
With their expertise and leadership skills, business administrators are in demand across industries, including healthcare, banking, hospitality, and e-commerce. The job market for business administrators in South Africa is promising, with opportunities ranging from entry-level to executive roles.
Students interested in a career in business administration can start their educational journey by enroling in the Bachelor of Business Administration offered by Regenesys. Visit the website today for more information.
What is Business Administration? – FAQs
What is business administration?
Business administration involves overseeing an organisationā€™s operations and managing resources to meet overall objectives.
What do business administrators do?
Business administrators help to plan, organise, direct operations, and hire qualified staff to meet organisational objectives.
What are some entry-level business administration jobs?
Graduates can apply for positions such as Marketing Associate, HR Executive, or Social Media Specialist after completing their undergraduate programme.
What are the Business Administration Educational Requirements?
Employers typically require candidates to have a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) qualification. Many professionals pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) later in their careers to develop their management skills further and advance into senior roles.
What Skills Are Important for Business Administrators?
Essential skills include leadership, financial management, communication, problem-solving, time management, and strategic decision-making. Industry-specific knowledge, such as healthcare laws or digital marketing, may also be required.
