Functions of Management Paper

Functions of Management Paper

Management is the use of functions to ensure that processes such as planning, organizing, controlling and leading are used effectively to maintain a company’s focus, values, purpose and goals (Cunningham, 1979). Management ensures that their companies have the capability to adapt, work efficiently, produce effectively, and the flexibility to implement its decisions while maintaining readiness, responsiveness and performance. Management focuses on people, products and resources to make certain a company’s goals are met in a timely manner while focusing on gaining a competitive advantage over its competitors. Effective management teams use the functions of management to innovate, maintain quality, and improve speed and service while keeping costs under control (Bateman & Snell, 2009). To further understand management effectiveness, an understanding of the functions of management must be understood.

Planning involves future oriented think and involves setting objectives for the goals they wish to achieve. Planning begins with top management objectives and is disseminated throughout all levels of an organization. Goal setting to the planning process and benefits the entire organization. Goal setting is an effective means to establish the objectives of each unit of an organization. Managers then set goals and ask employees to develop specific plans with related goals, and timetables for completion. Employees and managers, meet frequently to monitor progress toward the established goals, ensuring all members of the organization are involved within the planning process. Planning and goal setting allow for the flexibility in accommodating all aspects of an ever changing organization (Anderson, 2002). Truly skilled managers will be proactive in planning for the future and making informed decisions to prevent problems from occurring in the operational environment.

Organizing is another important function of management which...