The Four Functions of Management

Essay by jstaiUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, June 2006

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A successful manager has a structured method to complete his or her objectives well. An efficient manager will achieve his or her goals while using minimal resources. According to Bateman and Snell (2004), management has four essential functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling ("Management...", p. 15). A manager who does not incorporate all four functions equally will eventually fail.

Planning involves identifying company goals and formulating an agenda to meet or exceed those goals. It is important for a manager to plan well as, "Plans set the stage for action and for major achievements" (Bateman and Snell, 2004, p. 15). A manager should use planning in every aspect of business because planning is the basis of function ability. A manager will be able to orchestrate business strategies, employee tasks, meetings, and much more by planning effectively. I have found that planning is essential both in and outside of the business world.

One must plan accordingly just to complete every-day tasks. To plan effectively, I use a schedule or calendar and estimate the amount of time it will take me to complete each task. I also try to incorporate catch-up time in case one of my tasks takes longer than anticipated. This way, I know where I need to be and when from day-to-day.

Organizing involves coordinating the resources needed to achieve company goals. These resources may include people, such as employees, finances, and information. Organizing well will allow a manager to create an environment in which people can work together with the remaining resources to help reach goals efficiently. This type of organizing may involve creating working teams to handle specific elements of a business plan. Teams, for example, may include finance, sales, or research and development. I use organizing to distribute certain tasks to certain teams or...