Functions of Management

Functions of Management

Monte Nesmejanow

MGT/330

May 3, 2010

Functions of Management

McDonald’s is the leader in global foodservice retail with more than 30,000 locations, serving approximately 52 million people in more than 100 countries each day (McDonald’s USA, 2008). Although several factors determined the McDonald brothers’ success, probably their most important one is their ability to effectively manage their organization. When opening new stores abroad, McDonald’s faced the challenge of suiting the local taste, cultural values, and traditions of different countries without weakening its appeal as an American icon (Jandt, 2007).

For instance, in India, McDonald’s does not provide beef patties, as 80% of the Hindu population does not eat meat; in Jerusalem, McDonald’s has kosher and non-kosher restaurants. Kosher restaurants do not have cheeseburgers or milkshakes as Jewish law forbids the eating of milk and meat products together. McDonald’s management ensured that the company adapted to these different environments without jeopardizing the company’s success. The purpose of this research paper is to define management, the four functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling), and to discuss how each function relates to my job as a technical training specialist for the United States Army.

Planning, Organizing, Leading and Controlling

Management is a process that uses human and financial resources to achieve established goals (Bateman & Snell, 2009). Managers are the first level of leadership in a company's organization and generally do not perform operative work. Managers often delegate to others to achieve their company’s goals. Management includes planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Planning allows managers to set goals and decide in advance what actions should be taken to achieve established organizational goals. Planning includes analyzing the current situation, anticipating the future, and...