Functions of Management
Four Functions of Management
Jennifer Tsouloufas
MGT / 230 Management Theory and Practice
January 14, 2013
Mark Hardee
Abstract
This paper will attempt to define and describe the four functions of management, planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. It will also relate each function to observations within the organization that I work.
Planning
“Management in the process of working with people and resources to accomplish organizational goals” (Bateman, Snell, 2011, para. 1). A good balance of both will produce the most successful and efficient results. Although methods may change with the times, there are fundamentals that remain timelessly effective. The first function of planning is a strategy. Because this first step will lead the others, it is crucial to look at outlying factors that may conflict or affect the organization’s ultimate goal. Most of this information will be drawn from the mission statement of the company (Rothbauer-Wanish, 2009). At this stage, setting objectives, and following up on the execution of the plan are extremely critical. I work for a large corporation that deals in all fields of apparel, accessories, and home goods. We are briefed quarterly in regard to upper managements “vision plan” for the season. We are usually given the numbers, profit, and loss for the previous season and challenged to improve using our strengths, creativity, and trend knowledge. Because there is a large disconnect between business divisions and design divisions, we have to trust each division’s competence in their field.
Organizing The task of organizing is a vast and very important one. This can include coordinating all resources, human, financial, and informational that are needed to reach the end goal (Bateman, Snell, 2011, pg. 15). At this stage the main plan begins to be broken down into more specific duties and responsibilities. A manager not only needs to issue these responsibilities, he or she must be able to allocate the
Jennifer Tsouloufas
MGT / 230 Management Theory and Practice
January 14, 2013
Mark Hardee
Abstract
This paper will attempt to define and describe the four functions of management, planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. It will also relate each function to observations within the organization that I work.
Planning
“Management in the process of working with people and resources to accomplish organizational goals” (Bateman, Snell, 2011, para. 1). A good balance of both will produce the most successful and efficient results. Although methods may change with the times, there are fundamentals that remain timelessly effective. The first function of planning is a strategy. Because this first step will lead the others, it is crucial to look at outlying factors that may conflict or affect the organization’s ultimate goal. Most of this information will be drawn from the mission statement of the company (Rothbauer-Wanish, 2009). At this stage, setting objectives, and following up on the execution of the plan are extremely critical. I work for a large corporation that deals in all fields of apparel, accessories, and home goods. We are briefed quarterly in regard to upper managements “vision plan” for the season. We are usually given the numbers, profit, and loss for the previous season and challenged to improve using our strengths, creativity, and trend knowledge. Because there is a large disconnect between business divisions and design divisions, we have to trust each division’s competence in their field.
Organizing The task of organizing is a vast and very important one. This can include coordinating all resources, human, financial, and informational that are needed to reach the end goal (Bateman, Snell, 2011, pg. 15). At this stage the main plan begins to be broken down into more specific duties and responsibilities. A manager not only needs to issue these responsibilities, he or she must be able to allocate the
References: Bateman, T.S., Snell, S.A.. (2011). Management: Leading & collaborating in the Competitive world. Retrieved from Bateman, T.S., Snell, S.A., MGT/230 Management Theory and Practice website. Rothbauer-Wanish, H. (2009). Four functions of managment. Retrieved from http://suite101.com/article/four-functions-of-management-a113463