Management Planning Paper

Functions of Management

Elizabeth Sanchez

University of Phoenix

Functions of Management

Management is defined as, "effective and efficient use of limited organizational resources to achieve organizational goals". Being a manager is not an easy job; it is a role that requires extra skills, effort, and creative problem solving. This creative problem solving is accomplished through four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The nature and work of management involves effectively applying these four functions to achieve organizational success. The purpose of this paper is to explain the four functions of management and describe how each function is related to my own organization.

Planning is the first function; the purpose of a plan is to address a current problem or pursue a development goal. There are various phases of planning and guidelines for carrying them out as effectively as possible. The first step in planning begins with identifying goals for future organizational performance.

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Goals are specific accomplishments that must be accomplished in total or in some combination, in order to achieve the mission of the organization. Once the goals have been defined the next step is to devise a strategic plan that takes into account the various environmental forces, or influences, that might affect the organization. The particular strategies chosen to reach the goals depend on matters of affordability, practicality, and efficiency. Next is to establish objectives along the way to achieving the goal. The objectives are timely and indicative of progress towards goals. Responsibilities and time lines are assigned with each objective and usually include a deadline. Then various tasks required to implement the plan will be assigned. The last phase of planning is to allocate all the resources that will be required to implement the plan and form a budget. All...