mgt 330 week 1 functions of management

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Running head: Functions of Management

Functions of Management

Management is the utilization of tools, knowledge, people, and any other resource

to accomplish a specific organizational objective. This sounds simple at first reading the

definition but the complexities to management are vast. Management sets the standards

and practices to which the entire organization will follow. They lead teams and companies

toward a common goal. When working in management responsibility ceases to be a

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narrow paradigm of individualist thinking and begins to be an encompassing ownership of

accountability. The organizational goals are accomplished with planning, organizing,

leading, and controlling, which are known as the four functions of management (Bateman

& Snell, 2009). If conducted properly each of these functions of management provide key

inputs to strong organizational management.

Planning is arguably the most important aspect of management. Stated simply, to

plan management specifies the goals of the organization and how they are to be

accomplished (McNamara, 2010). A strong plan helps alleviate future problems and

strengthen resolve. A weak plan will result in extra costs and time because of unforeseen problems and issues. Strong organizational plans include prioritization of any risks,

funding, and the organization’s goal (Project Management Institute, 2008). The plan

should include any risk mitigation processes as well as the controlling and changing

process. The plan must start with an understanding of the end product and the process and

procedures it takes to get to that end objective in the most efficient and safe manner

possible. A proper product scope and deliverable definition is necessary in order to create

any successful plan. The plan sets the standard and pace each of the next three functions

must follow. Without a proper plan organizing and leading is invariably impossible.

Managers organize to ensure work is done according to the organizational structure

and goals. Managers ensure that employees, information, goals, and working efficiencies

are following the proper steps to maintain the most efficient and safe utilization of all

resources. This includes reporting structures, setting of job responsibilities, and proper

workflow are understood and followed (McNamara, 2010). All of the organization of

information, data, and other resources is set in accordance with the organizational structure.

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Whether it is a functional, divisional, matrix, or network organization the manager is

responsible to organize these flows to maximize efficiencies in production without

compromise to safety or ethics. Strong organizational skills are a requirement for a

successful manager.

Successful managers have certain characteristics that make them strong leaders.

Leaders are a special type of person that helps others stay focused and motivated. Leaders

continually communicate with team members to ensure a proper goal alignment and inspire

them to achieve greater success (Bateman & Snell, 2009). A good plan and strong

organizational structure is limited by the leadership abilities of its managers. To beeffective a leader must organize the organizations goals with the resources in a manner that

is efficient and realistic (McNamara, 2010). Without realistic expectations of direct reports

a leader cannot be successful. A strong leader sees ways of motivating individuals and

groups; understanding that not every person responds to the same type of motivation.

Leaders assist managers in proper scheduling of work activities, delegations, goal setting

and evaluations, as well as many other tasks. Properly guiding and directing others

properly assists a manager in progress and goal evaluations.

The function of controlling begins with setting goals and standards not only for the

organization but for each individual as well. Evaluating goals, work progress, employees,

processes, and procedures are all a part of controlling. Controlling is performed when the

processes and procedures are evaluated before, during, and after reaching organizational

goals (Bateman & Snell, 2009). Maintaining sight of goals and realizing better efficiencies

in reaching those goals are all important factors. Controls are done by maintaining a

process and procedures for scope of work definitions, changes in the scope of work, any

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financial changes, and even monitoring of work progress. Employee evaluations and goals

settings are essential to maintain ones career objectives and goals are set and maintained.

Without proper monitoring and controlling processes and procedures in place a business

has a strong likely of running amuck and failing.

As seen the four management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and

controlling cannot be completed properly without educated and experienced managers. An

appropriate plan in the beginning stages is essential to the successful completion of

accurately defined goals and limitations. A good plan that it is organized efficiently and

lead to completion competently by strong managerial leaders will result in higher standardsand profits. Controlling and adjusting goals and plans will result in increased efficiencies

while maintaining a stable work environment for employees.

Reference

Bateman, T., Snell, S. (2009). Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive

World, Eight Edition. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

McNamara, C. (2010). Skills and Competencies in Organizational Management. Retrieved

March 9, 2012 from http://managementhelp.org/mng_thry/ .

Project Management Institute. (2008). A Guide to the Project Management Body of

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mgt 330 week 1 functions of management

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