The Four Functions of Management

Essay by sxybutterfly81University, Bachelor'sA+, September 2008

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There are four functions of management that allow any organization to handle the tactical, planned and set decisions. The four basic functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The four basic functions of management are just to have a controlled plan over the preventive measure. The functions of management define the process of management as diverse from accounting, finance, marketing, and other business functions. These functions provide a useful way of classifying information about management.

The base function is to Plan, which is the foundation of management. It is the base upon which the all the areas of management should be built. Planning is the ongoing process of developing the business' mission and objectives and determining how they will be accomplished. Planning includes both the broadest view of the organization, for example, its mission, and the narrowest, for example, a tactic for accomplishing a specific goal. Planning is never-ending course of action.

The planning process consists of several steps. The process begins with environmental scanning, which basically means that planners must be aware of the serious contingencies in front of their organization in terms of economic conditions, their competitors, and their customers. Planners must then try to predict future conditions. These forecasts form the basis for planning.

Planners must establish goals, which are statements of what needs to be done and when. Planners must then find different courses of action for reaching these goals. After going through an assortment of alternatives, planners must make decisions about the best courses of action for reaching these goals. They must then put together necessary steps and ensure successful completion of plans. Finally, planners must continually assess the success of their plans and take counteractive action when needed. There are many different types of plans and planning.

The second function of management...