The author has examined and categorized scientific advancements related to the concept of "social management." After analyzing the works of both domestic and foreign researchers, the author has formulated a personal definition. Social management is defined as a process aimed at planning and making optimal management decisions regarding the provision of social assistance and social protection for recipients of social services.

The text also discusses the peculiarities of management as an object of activity for a social worker. It notes that management information in this area has a crucial social dimension, and the use of effective motivational methods helps to achieve better results in social work. The paper also emphasizes the importance of the professional competence of specialists, highlights problems with forecasting management results, and stresses the importance of both current and final management results.

The analysis conducted confirms the important role of management in the work of a social worker. To achieve maximum effectiveness in this area, social management must focus on knowledge management, rather than just people management. This means that the social worker must skillfully organize and manage the social environment, provide the necessary tools, and ensure their availability to the recipients of social services.

The principles that are useful in solving organizational and management tasks in the process of social management are highlighted. These include purposefulness, feasibility, adaptability, and efficiency.

The structure of social management methods is also provided. Methods of working with recipients of social services, such as individual and group social work, as well as designing social services, are described.