A generic management definition object, described using a CIM MOF file or an Extensible Markup Language document, can be used to format display panels that are independent of a management console. A generic integration layer is created between the management data and the display and behavior of such data. A transformation engine is used to convert data definitions included in management data to a formatted structure that is stored in a repository. A translation engine renders the formatted structure into graphical user interface constructs that are independent of any particular management console architecture. The transformation and translation engines coordinate a set of processes that facilitate the display and manipulation of the management data object's data model. GUI display panels that support the management model are generated in a console neutral manner so that the same panels are displayed from a variety of management consoles.