Functions of Management

Functions of Management

Samantha Diamond

MGT/330

April 12, 2010

Frank Hamby

Functions of Management

In today’s high paced business world following the four functions of management is fundamental to keep up with the constant change of pace. The four traditional functions of management are: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Bateman & Snell, 2009). The four functions are a major key element in new organizations and in established organizations. When a manager tries to run a successful business without using the four functions it can lead to total dysfunction within the organization. A successful manager knows how to incorporate the functions of management so that the organization thrives. Rothbauer-Wanish (2009) stated, “Management is a balancing act of many different components and a good manager will be able to maintain the balance and keep employees motivated” (Four Functions of Management, para. 6).

Bateman and Snell (2009) define planning as “specifying the goals to be achieved and deciding in advance the appropriate actions needed to achieve those goals” (p. 19). Managers may not realize that they are planning every day at work. As a manager one plans numerous activities such as reports, objectives, and how to reach the goal. When a manager plans effectively, then tasks are done efficiently. A manager can read information on how to achieve the goals of the organization from the organizations vision and mission statements. The two critical components of the planning functions are: setting objectives for the goal and following up on the execution of the plan (Rothbauer-Wanish, 2009). When planning any form of activities a person must know what the objective is to reach the goal. Once the plan is in place and functioning a person should follow-up on the execution to make sure that the plan is functioning accordingly.

Managers are responsible for organizing many aspects of the organization from organizing people and resources....