Four Functions Of Management example essay topic

Functions of Management There is no one definition for the term management. However, Fayal (1916) defined the term management as; "To manage is to forecast and plan, to organize, to command, to co-ordinate and to control". Mc Il wee. T and Roberts I, (1991): p. g 117 Management is not standardized and is undertaken at all levels of the organization, as it is an integrating activity. Managers have to manage in order to achieve the overall objectives and strategy of the firm. All firms are seeking effective managers, and the quality of management is a key element of business success.

The four functions of management are essential to building strong teams and stronger organizations. Common to all managers, the four functions are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The aforementioned functions of the manager are the activities, which all managers must perform regardless of the industry, the level, the title, or the activity in which engaged. In this paper we will be examining all four of these ingredients and then we will apply them to real world examples.

These four things are used any time when initiating a new project or dealing with any change, which we all know is constant. A lot of us may be all ready using or have seen others, but just never noticed it or didn't know how to identify the methods. Let us start by looking at the definitions and examples of each. Planning Planning is the function of "doing".

It's the first management function both because it lays the groundwork for all other functions. It is a technique of projecting the future, anticipating problems and selecting procedures for circumventing them. It is a general principle of management that a group effort can be attained more efficiently if everyone concerned has been informed of the ultimate goal and how, when, and where it shall be done, and who shall do which parts. Planning is the management function that involves identifying goals and alternative ways of achieving them. It maps out courses of action that will commit individuals, departments, and the entire organization. Organization Logical and well-defined organizations promote savings in energy and effort and reduce friction and frustration.

The activities necessary to reach objectives are grouped into organizational charts. The charts reveal the functions performed by each position, from whom each group obtains its authority, and the relationships between groups and individuals. Planning has established the goals of the company and how they are to be achieved; organizing develops the structure to achieve these goals. Leading Proper leading will influence individuals to get tasks accomplished, maintaining moral, molding company culture, and managing conflict and communication. Leading is aimed at getting the member of the organization moving in the direction that will achieve its objectives. Leading should be used as a motivating tactic to control individuals and emphasize the importance of achieving the goals set out in the planning stage.

When leading, the manager must provide direction to the work group, build a climate in which individuals are motivated to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently, and communicate both operating expectations for performance and feedback on results. Leading places a premium on the manager's ability to work with people. In practicing leadership within my organization, the manager's do not simply give orders. He or she must decide how best to achieve goals through people.

The difficult decision for a manager becomes how to provide guidance, involve people in decisions, and build a work team when all people are different. Managers must appreciate the uniqueness of each person in a work group and must attempt to provide an environment in which the personal needs of each person are fulfilled. Controlling Controlling is related to each of the other functions of management. Controlling builds on planning, organizing and leading. The control process is cyclical and perhaps the most vital stage of the management process. Controlling leads to identification of new problems that in turn need to be addressed through establishment of performance standards, measuring performance etc.

Perhaps the plan was not correct, or was not organized enough, or the subordinates were not motivated enough to complete their tasks in the time frame allocated. Controlling allows the managers to see loopholes in the process, as well as identify a procedure that works well in one area and can easily be implemented in another. Summary All of the functions of management will continue to evolve in the future. As the needs of the consumers change, so will the way that an organization is established.

The function that I believe will change the most in the future is planning. Not all planning is successful so the remaining functions can fall short of what is expected. Each organization is different. No matter how well the organization uses the four functions of management, it will never be an easy ride to the top. It is difficult enough for a department to encounter unforeseen roadblocks that will hamper their success.

Managers are the people who plan, organize, lead and control the activities of the organization so that its goals can be achieved.