Four Functions of Management
Management can be defined as getting work done using other people in groups which are formally organized and also use of minimum effort by management to get maximum results and in the long run ensuring maximum satisfaction to the employees, employer and service to the customers. Generally management can be viewed as a process which involves controlling, planning, directing and organizing the human resource in using the available resources in the right manner. Though the functions of management are many, from the above statement we can be able to deduce some of the fundamental functions of management.
Planning is a management function which involves determining a course of action in advance. It involves determining what an organization does, by whom, at what time and finding appropriate means of evaluating the results. The skills of problem solving and that of decision making are the key factors which play an important role in undertaking this function .It involves being aware of the company’s goals and being able to rationally come up with a course of action which will enable the achievement of the set goals.
Organizing function is useful in bringing together and providing a business with all the things that are useful in its functioning .This includes human resource, capital, raw materials etc. Through the process of organizing, Management is able to determine the internal organizational structure, ensure relationships are maintained and allocate resources as required .Staffing helps in determining the internal organization through allocation of different tasks to employees according to their capability.
Directing is the third function of management and involves use of communication, leadership and also motivation by a manager in explaining to the employees what to do, influencing the staff and overseeing them so that they can do the job to their level best and also help in enhancing their careers goal, personal goals as well as the company’s goals. Employee motivation in the form of bonus, gifts promotion etc plays a big role in an employee’s job performance as well as good communication both vertically and horizontally within an organization. This makes directing a major function.
Lastly, controlling is a management function which is centered on ensuring that the organization conforms to the set objectives. It involves setting a performance standard, measuring and comparing the current performance with the set standard and reporting and acting on the performance that does not conform to the set standards.
