Functions of Management: Define the four functions of management and explains how each relates to your organization.
Functions of Management
To a degree, most people unknowingly possess management skills. Whether arranging their individual activities or that of children and family, the process to orchestrate a day's activity can be similar to that of managing an office. What probably differs the most is the scale on which the management skills are applied and what those skills effect. What remains a commonality, whether managing at the level of an individual or on a corporate level, is the need for a process based on the desired goal; management is the process by which to achieve a goal. There are four basic elements in managing, each playing an intricate function in how the process develops, and if the process will succeed or fail.
Planning
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines planning as the act or process of making or carrying out plans and the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit (n.d.). Planning establishes a course of action, is the start point, and therefore affects each successive element of the management process. The planning process can include such elements as creating organizational goals, objectives, and developing a strategy through resources and decision-making on how best to achieve those goals. The planning phase is ongoing and remains fluid to accommodate facets of the managing and developing processes that are continually affected by various factors.
Organizing
Again, using Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the best definition that reflects the purpose of organizing in management is to set up an administrative structure and to arrange elements into a whole of interdependent parts (n.d.) Organizing is essential in that it establishes and designates the order in which processes will occur. Essentials, such as the designation of the roles and responsibilities of personnel, departmental functions, and standard operating procedures, provide the business rudiments of who, what, when, and how.
Leading
Leading is
To a degree, most people unknowingly possess management skills. Whether arranging their individual activities or that of children and family, the process to orchestrate a day's activity can be similar to that of managing an office. What probably differs the most is the scale on which the management skills are applied and what those skills effect. What remains a commonality, whether managing at the level of an individual or on a corporate level, is the need for a process based on the desired goal; management is the process by which to achieve a goal. There are four basic elements in managing, each playing an intricate function in how the process develops, and if the process will succeed or fail.
Planning
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines planning as the act or process of making or carrying out plans and the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit (n.d.). Planning establishes a course of action, is the start point, and therefore affects each successive element of the management process. The planning process can include such elements as creating organizational goals, objectives, and developing a strategy through resources and decision-making on how best to achieve those goals. The planning phase is ongoing and remains fluid to accommodate facets of the managing and developing processes that are continually affected by various factors.
Organizing
Again, using Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the best definition that reflects the purpose of organizing in management is to set up an administrative structure and to arrange elements into a whole of interdependent parts (n.d.) Organizing is essential in that it establishes and designates the order in which processes will occur. Essentials, such as the designation of the roles and responsibilities of personnel, departmental functions, and standard operating procedures, provide the business rudiments of who, what, when, and how.
Leading
Leading is