4 functions of management essays

There are basically four management concepts that allow any organization to handle the tactical, planned and set decisions. The four basic functions of management are just to have a controlled plan over the preventive measure. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the four functions of management; which are planning, organizing, leading, controlling and how each of these functions relates to my current organization. Planning is the process that management uses to accomplish the objectives.

Four Functions of Management

Management is a ubiquitous term that is applied to a range of human endeavor. This make sometimes makes it difficult to discuss the topic given the number of potential meanings and definitions applied to the concept.

This paper is structured to offer a workable definition based on the functions of management and then describe these functions in broad terms. Management, functions of management, controlling, leading, organizing, planning, levels of management. Management, like many other terms or titles, has a few definitions depending on the orientation and knowledge of the person crafting the definition.

One example can be drawn from a desk top dictionary:. Giving a nod to the internet age, some definitions are available at the touch of a button using any number of search engines. The validity of the definition should be carefully considered and researched, however a reasonable example:.

A third source of definitions comes from the world of academia where any number of studies and reports examine the concept of management.

This is where the work of trying to tease out a viable, broad definition takes place. One such definition is offered by G. Jones defines management in terms of its functions and objectives. The elegance of this definition is that it encompasses the concept of management whether applied to an individual, a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation in either the public or the private sector.

For the purposes of this discussion the definition offered by Jones will form the working foundation. Before we embark on a review of these functions it should be noted that the definition attached some quantifiable metrics to the term management, so that ideas can be compared, synthesized and contrasted.

The two concepts that help distinguish good management from poor management are efficiency, a quantitative measure, and effectiveness, a qualitative metric. Organizations are efficient when they manage resources to maximize their utility in the process of producing a good or service. Organizations are effective when they achieve qualitative goals and targets that are customer centric, such as satisfaction.

In other words, it is not a question of how much but rather how well the organization achieves its goals. What is to be done? Who is going to do it? How are they going to complete the task?

These are the types of question management must ask under the banner of planning. The success management has in performing this function has a direct positive correlation on the success of the organization.

Great planning is the foundation for both efficiency and effectiveness Drucker, Planning is an ongoing and continuous process that requires management to monitor progress as well as the business, social and governmental environments to identify new and emerging opportunities for an organization Thorn, A direct outcome of the panning function is the development of strategy and tactics to accomplish the objectives defined by the planning function.

The second principle function of management is to organize the workplace in a manner that allows people and groups of people to work together to achieve the goals of the organization. To succeed on both the effectiveness and efficiency scales the organization must deploy resources, both human and material, in a manner that aligns these resources to produce the greatest possible outcome. One of the outcomes of organization is the concept of organizational structure.

Grouping people into departments, work units, or other operational entities defines these interactions as does the hierarchy and leadership structure required to help the organization reach its potential. Creating exceptional plans, developing the perfect organizational matrix and finding the perfect leader is of little value unless you can measure performance and ensure the organization stays on track.

This is the domain of the controlling function. Figure 1: Five Step Process. Control cannot exist without plans, goals, and objectives and it is practice at all levels of management within an organization.

The leadership task includes creating a vision, focus and direction for the organization that will encourage employees to work at high levels and to ensure their activities are coordinated to achieve maximum results for the organization. Leadership has and will continue to be one of the most studied aspects of human activity.

Without leadership, in some form or function, there would be no pyramids of Egypt, Great Walls in China, lunar landings, or any other achievement of note, either good or evil. Although one can examine the past and make a statement like this, it rests on an intuitive approach to state the same conditions will apply in the future.

Great achievements will not be accomplished without leadership, in some form or function. Leadership is about behaviors and creating the conditions for success. Kouzes and Posner developed a construct that can fairly represent the aspects of leadership actions. The definition of management and the description of the functions of management suggests that this is a complex area of study. To get the true nature of the complexity of management it is necessary to recognize that there is depth as well as breadth and height to the institution.

Management does not occur at a single level, nor do managers all perform the same depth of capacity in each of the functional areas. To further add to the complexity of the model it is important to recall that the organization is subdivided into departments or areas of common interest, each of which has levels of management. Figure 2: Management Hierarchy. The organization is divided vertically in a hierarchical format and the management function is divided horizontally by management levels.

The management levels in each horizontal department have similar duties, tasks, and authority. Jones, George, Rock, Although all levels of management have responsibility in all the functions, they do not exercise these in equal amounts. First line managers, as an example, have input into the planning function but at a level quite removed from top management.

Once again, a graphical illustration brings this concept more clarity. Figure 3: Relative time spent in each function at different levels. Each function of management has a place and importance in the operation of a modern organization, be it private or public sector. The most successful organizations have strong functioning processes and people performing all four functions in the mangement field and all levels.

Avolio, B. Journal of European Industrial Training,15 4. Health Forum Journal, 41 2. Prentice- Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N. Heimrich, B. Jones, G. Kouzes, James M. Simmering, Marcia J. Spahr, Pamela What is Transformational Leadership? Function of Management Before we embark on a review of these functions it should be noted that the definition attached some quantifiable metrics to the term management, so that ideas can be compared, synthesized and contrasted.

The two concepts that help distinguish good management from poor management are efficiency, a quantitative measure, and effectiveness, a qualitative metric Organizations are efficient when they manage resources to maximize their utility in the process of producing a good or service. Planning What is to be done? Planning is an ongoing and continuous process that requires management to monitor progress as well as the business, social and governmental environments to identify new and emerging opportunities for an organization Thorn, A direct outcome of the panning function is the development of strategy and tactics to accomplish the objectives defined by the planning function.

Organizing The second principle function of management is to organize the workplace in a manner that allows people and groups of people to work together to achieve the goals of the organization. Amongst other benefits the importance of organizing includes Hubpages, : Allows organizations to reap the benefit of specialization Provides the optimum utilization of resources Helps in effective administration Provides channels for expansion and growth Achieves co-ordination among different departments Creates scope for change Controlling Creating exceptional plans, developing the perfect organizational matrix and finding the perfect leader is of little value unless you can measure performance and ensure the organization stays on track.

Leading The leadership task includes creating a vision, focus and direction for the organization that will encourage employees to work at high levels and to ensure their activities are coordinated to achieve maximum results for the organization. Inspire a shared vision — leadership is about establishing a vision and then promoting that vision in their actions, thoughts, and speech Challenge the process — Leaders do not settle for the status quo, they constantly seek improvement and take risks.

They understand risk taking leads to mistakes and create a climate where mistakes are learning opportunities Enable others to act — Leaders encourage and develop teams that show mutual respect and that sustains effort. They create an atmosphere of trust that encourages all to feel capable and engaged. Encourage the heart — Leaders recognize and acknowledge contributions from others. They make people in the organization feel valued and needed.

Levels of Management The definition of management and the description of the functions of management suggests that this is a complex area of study.

Figure 2: Management Hierarchy The organization is divided vertically in a hierarchical format and the management function is divided horizontally by management levels.

Jones, George, Rock, Although all levels of management have responsibility in all the functions, they do not exercise these in equal amounts.

Staffing is considered one of the most important managerial functions for it controls the personnel and recruitment needs of the organization-hiring the right​. INTRODUCTION 2 Definition of management 2 2) THE FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENNT 3 3) Planning 3 Uses of business planning 4 The content of a.

Some have remained unchanged and effective for a long time. There are also those that are always continuing to evolve. Within these principles are four traditional functions. They include planning, organizing, leading, and, controlling. This following text will define each of these functions in detail….

Management is a ubiquitous term that is applied to a range of human endeavor. This make sometimes makes it difficult to discuss the topic given the number of potential meanings and definitions applied to the concept.

There are four functions of management that allow any organization to handle the tactical, planned and set decisions. The four basic functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The four basic functions of management are just to have a controlled plan over the preventive measure.

The Four Functions of Management

Management can be defined as getting work done using other people in groups which are formally organized and also use of minimum effort by management to get maximum results and in the long run ensuring maximum satisfaction to the employees, employer and service to the customers. Generally management can be viewed as a process which involves controlling, planning, directing and organizing the human resource in using the available resources in the right manner. Though the functions of management are many, from the above statement we can be able to deduce some of the fundamental functions of management. Planning is a management function which involves determining a course of action in advance. It involves determining what an organization does, by whom, at what time and finding appropriate means of evaluating the results.

Essay on Four Functions of Management

There are four functions of management that allow any organization to handle the tactical, planned and set decisions. The four basic functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The four basic functions of management are just to have a controlled plan over the preventive measure. The functions of management define the process of management as diverse from accounting, finance, marketing, and other business functions. These functions provide a useful way of classifying. We have multiple layers of management: 1. Assistant Agency Director i. Region 1 Health Director 1. Region 1 Administrator a.

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We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The four functions of management, planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, are very essential in building strong organizations and even stronger more effective teams. Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are the functions of management.

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Every organization, in spite of its enormity, has fully developed and implemented management concepts that enable smooth running of activities aimed at realising the projected vision, goals and objectives. The functions of management break down into four areas that take care of strategic, tactical and operational pronouncements of an organization. Thus, management in an organization is a creative tool of solving problems through planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In essence, the functions of management solve a particular problem facing an organization. Consequently, the results will provide an avenue of accomplishing the goals, objectives and mission of the organization. The functions of management in an organization is to provide a framework of focussing both short and long term views hence, foster it towards success. Additionally, management as a decision-making process entails a premeditated vision, fixed goals, a crafted plan, all which if executed and implemented properly, will see an organization achieve its mission. From in-house operations to industry, the functions of management serve to address issues affecting a certain organization for example, effective utilization of resources, appraisal of core competencies, evaluation of the present and prospect participants, and strategic control among others Himanshu, , p. Nevertheless, the four function of management cannot bring success into an organization minus sound leadership from the mangers. Thus, good managers should exhibit certain traits and skills, which will enable an organization, achieve its mission, goals and objectives.

Four Functions of Management Essay

This resource is designed to help students and graduates around the world tackle academic college English assignments, even if English is not their native language. Enjoy the abundance of guides, manuals and samples written for ESL students. Numerous organizations in today's planet are utilizing an aged Chinese mystery on basics of administration from the top bosses to the base levels of administration. These essentials comprise of the four essential capacities of administration: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The different errands and exercises identified with every capacity of administration vary as per the particular structure in which administration is practice. The four capacities of administration are used by the administration group to realize the vision of the organization of the administration group. Every capacity of administration has a unique explanation behind its utilization. Planning is the first function of administration. It is fundamentally the readiness of a particular approach. In the planning or arranging of an activity the administration sets particular goals or objectives, guaranteeing that they are itemized in their arranging and according to the vision of the task.