Four Functions of Management

Four Functions of Management

Effective management builds a successful organization. When an organization’s management fails to operate properly, the organization will experience problems. To operate an organization successfully, management must use the four functions of management. The management functions are similar to steps in building a house. This essay will discuss the four functions of management and how the four functions relate to my place of employment.

Four Functions of Management

The first function of management, planning, is the core component. Management lays the foundation when planning upon which the other components build. The planning function depends upon management to review the organization’s current position and where the organization expects to be in the future. Once management determines the company’s goals, it must decide the actions to take to reach the goals. Planning activities include analyzing current situations, anticipating the future, determining objectives, deciding in what types of activities the company will engage, choosing corporate and business strategies, and determining the resources needed to achieve the organization’s goals (Bateman & Snell, 2009, p. 19).

Because organizations face unexpected situations, planning is an ongoing process. For example, organizations set goals and were well on their way to reaching the goals. Then, a shift in the economy forced the organizations’ managers to change the course of actions in reaching the previous goals set. Organizations downsized leaving management with an increase in workflow and other organizations closed. Once management lays the foundation, the building begins.

Organizing is the second function. The organizing process symbolizes the flooring in building a house. Once builders lay the foundation, they must lay the flooring. An organization will not meet its goals if management fails to operate in an organized manner (Rane, 2007). Management must gather and organize resources to reach the goals set during the planning process. A manager’s responsibilities in the organizing process include identifying activities, grouping activities, delegating responsibilities, and establishing relationships.

When identifying activities, managers must determine what activities will benefit the organization in reaching the set goals. Grouping activities consists of combining similar activities into departments. Delegating responsibilities assists managers in avoiding duplication of work, which helps save time and money. Establishing relationships enables peaceful interaction among the departments. The responsibilities allow the organizing process to run smoothly, thereafter, leading begins.

Leading is the third process of the foundations of management. The leading process symbolizes the framing process of building a house. When