Four Functions of Management

Abstract

There are four main functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Each function has its own responsibilities and helps the company remain successful and reach their goals. The planning function refers to the “big picture” of the company and is the overall plan for the business to reach their goals. The organizing function refers to appointing employees to positions and assigning duties. Leading consists of management motivating their employees and making sure that they are working to their full potential. Management must monitor the progress of the company and make sure that they are on track to attain their goals in the controlling function.

Four Functions of Management

All organizations must set objectives and plan proper procedures to help their business run smoothly. Management must follow the following four steps to ensure that the decisions they make are methodical and cover all aspects of the business.

Planning is the most important step in management. Managers never stop planning, as this function creates the blueprint for the company’s future. Sudden business changes and unforeseen obstacles may arise and affect the business negatively or positively. Depending on the nature of these changes, managers may have to evaluate their original plan in order to continue to be successful and keep moving forward towards their long term goals. My manager is constantly changing our business structure and as we run into problems with current promotions or procedures, we must plan how we can overcome these obstacles and still meet our day-to-day as well as our long term goals.

I work for a small finance company that caters mostly to our service members. We use to set up their automatic pay deductions for them until recently; the military pay system changed the way you log into each account. We have since had to change our standard sales procedures and have the sales people set up the pay deductions as they are...