The Four Functions Of Management: Planning, Management, Leading and Controlling

871 Words2 Pages

The process of working with resources and people in an organization to accomplish a goal can be defined as management. "The traditional functions of management "planning, organizing, leading, and controlling" continue to be the key activities used to enable the organization to accomplish its goals and objectives. Though significant changes have occurred in all organizational structures, processes, and managerial styles, these traditional functions remain a constant. (Anderson & Pulich, 2002) To be an effective manager in any organization they must posses these skills.

Planning

Planning is the first function of management. The decisions made in this in function determine the future of the company. "The management function of systematically making decisions about the goals and activities that in individual, a group a work unit or the overall organization will pursue (Bateman & Snell, 2007). The University of Phoenix, although has been in existence for many years, this stage is never fully over. The company must always be evolving and ever changing if it wishes to stage on the forefront of the competition. The planning stage is an early development function, but also a necessity to continue to improve and revamp previous plans to ensure the longevity and future of the company.

Organizing

The second function of management is organizing. "The management functions of assembling and coordinating human, financial, physical, informational, and other resources needed to achieve goals (Bateman & Snell, 2007). In organizing you are creating job duties and grouping teams up in workgroups, defining employee roles and allocation resources. Although this function seems to be mainly a part of human resources, it also is necessary for direct m...

... middle of paper ...

...hout having a controlling factor you have no benchmark for success.

Regardless of whether your entry level management, mid-level management or senior management, the four functions addressed in this paper are essential to the success of not just the company but to the manager themselves. A manager can not be effective without utilizing and incorporating each facet of these functions. Although at various levels of management, each function might be used more or less according to their skill level, all functions are necessary for success.

References

Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2007). Management: Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive World [7e]. Retrieved June 25, 2007, from Resource.

Anderson, P., & Pulich, M. (2002, December 2002). Managerial Competencies Necessary in Today's Dynamic Health Care Environment. Retrieved June 25, 2007, from EBSCOhost.

Open Document