Functions of Management

Functions of Management

MGT 312

August 18, 2014

Functions of Management

The four functions of management are:

* Planning

* Organizing

* Leading

* Controlling

Planning is when the manager will create an action plan in order to reach a goal, and can be a very tricky task because all sorts of complex decisions are being made with the potential for considerable risk. (Education Portal, 2003-2014) The manager is taking under consideration the goals of the organization, their department, financial risk or budget limitations, along with the organizing of the steps needed to reach the goal. (George & Jones, 2012)

Planning might also include several different goals, so management will also have to plan which goals to tackle first. There is some risk in making sure they choose the best goal to work on with the hope they don’t make an error in judgment.

Organizing happens when management creates the structure for reaching the goals. They will be assigning tasks to employees and deciding how the employees will carry- out the steps to carry out their plan. Management will take under consideration the gifts and talents of their employees, will teams be needed and if so who will be on those teams. (Education Portal, 2003-2014)

Appointing leaders is crucial in the organizing, especially if teams are being used. The leader decides who will be the delegated leader and what the role of the leader will involve. These are all very important questions. If the choice of leadership is a wise choice barriers will be avoided, and the process can be smooth. (George & Jones, 2012)

Leading is the interpersonal part of the management functions. It involves communicating, inspiring, motivating, and encouraging employees to be productive and achieve the goals. Managers should be able to read their employees and lead them based on knowing how they function best, what type of management works so they can get the results needed. (Education Portal, 2003-2014)...