Management Functions
Management is the process of planning٫ organizing٫ leading٫and controlling the efforts of organizing٫ members and of using all other organizational resources to achieve stated organizational goals.
A process is a systematic way of doing things. We define management as a process because all manager. Regardless of their particular aptitudes or skills٫ engage in certain interrelated activities in order to achieve their desired goals. We will briefly describe four main management activities or functions.
Planning
Planning implies that managers think through their goals and actions in advance. Their actions are based on some method٫plan، or logic rather than on a hunch. Plans give the organization its objectives and set up the best procedure for reaching them.
The first step in planning is the selection of goals for the organization. Then٫ established for the organization’s subunits – its divisions٫ departments٫ and so on. Once objectives are determined٫ programs are established for achieving them in a systematic manner. Of course٫ in selecting objectives and developing programs٫ the managers consider their feasibility and whether they will be acceptable to the organization’s managers and employees.
Plans made by top management for the organization as a whole may cover periods as long as five or ten years. In a large organization٫ such as a multinational energy corporation٫ those plans may involve commitments of billions of dollars. Planning at lower levels٫ by middle or first line managers٫ covers much shorter periods. Such plans may be for the next day’s work. For example٫ or for a two – hour meeting take place in a week.
Organizing
Organizing is the process of arranging and collecting work.authority and resourcess among an organization’s members so they can achieve an organization’s goal efficiently. Different goals٫ of course. Require different structures. For example٫an organization that aims to develop computer software needs a different structure than a manufacturer of blue jeans. Producing a standardized product like blue jeans requires efficient assembly – line techniques٫ whereas producing software requires organizing teams of professionals٫ programers٫ and so on.
Although these professionals must interact effectively٫ they cannot be organized like assembly – line workers. Thus٫ managers must match an organization’s structure to its goals and resources. It is important here to make the distinction between organizing and an organization. The former is a process٫ the latter is a social grouping. The former، however can only be explained in terms of the latter.
Leading
After management has made plans٫created a structure٫ and hired appropriated personnel٫ someone must lead the organization. Some managers call this process directing or influencing. Whatever it’s called٫ leading involves motivating others to perform the tasks necessary to achieve the organization’s objectives. Leading doesn’t simply begin after planning organizing end. in fact٫ leading is often crucial to the success of those activities. The two key components of effective leadership are motivation and communication. While planning and organizing deal whith the more abstract aspects of the management process٫ the activity of leading is very concrete. It involves working with people. By establishing the proper atmosphere٫ manager help their employees do their best.
Controlling
Finally٫ the manager must be sure the actions of the organization’s members do in fact move the organization toward its stated goals. This is the controlling function of management٫ and it involves three main elements(1) Establishing standards of performance، (2) Measuring current performance، (3) Comparing this performance to the established standards٫ and (4) if deviations are detected٫ taking corrective action(s). through the controlling function٫ the manager keeps the organization on its chosen track. Just as a thermostat sends signals to the heating system that the room temperature is too hot٫ or too cold٫ control system send signals to managers that corrective action is needed. Whereas leading involves motivating others٫ controlling involves directing their behaviors.