Functions of Management

Functions of Management

In an organization there is management, and there are subordinates. Managers supervise the other employees within an organization with the purpose of ensuring the organizations goals are met. Management has four fundamental functions, which are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Management Study Guide, 2008). An effective manager will use all four functions of management (Bateman & Snell, 2009).

The first step in the management process is planning. Planning is lying out the course of action that will be taken to complete the task at hand. A plan ensures there is a level of focus to accomplish the objectives and goals of the organization (Selley, 2011). Planning is a crucial step in management because without planning projects can take longer than expected and can turn into costly delays for the organization. Within the Equal Opportunity (EO) office at Nellis Air Force Base Nevada planning needs some work. A rise in EO complaints exists so the office is in need of revaluating their processes. The mission of the EO office is to assist customers in optimizing their mission readiness and capabilities by promoting human dignity through equity education, diversity, cultural competency, research, and consultation ( Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, n.d.) . The office needs to be more proactive than reactive. Incorporating more education and training classes to costumers may help elevate the flow of complaints. Also leadership needs to reiterate their standpoint in discrimination and sexual harassment policies. Decisions made through the planning stages will have an impact on the mission.

Organizing is the second step in the functions of management. According to the Management Study Guide organizing is “the process of bringing together physical, financial and human resources and developing productive relationship amongst them for achievement of organizational goals” (Organizing, para. 1). Managers are responsible or making sure employees have the right resources necessary to do their job. The EO office does have sufficient supplies to do their job. One problem area is there is not enough manpower to service the base populace. Even though the office does not have sufficient manning this is problem is out of the control of direct leadership, higher headquarters has to allot more personnel. The EO office is strong in organization even without the necessary manpower. The office follows organization charts and guidelines set forth for them, the office coordinates with the legal office to make sure their decisions are legally sufficient, and the managers treat subordinates with respect. The office is also able to adapt to change because of their organization. God direction and the necessary resources allow the office to work together and achieve maximum success.

Leading is the third function of management. Leading consists of motivating