Research, identify and discuss the 4 basic functions of management. .Week TWO - Essay Example

Basic Functions of Management Basic Functions of Management Management has four basic functions ly, planning,organizing, leading and controlling. The first function is planning which involves setting the goals and objectives and then determining the steps that must be done to achieve these objectives. Planning is “the foundation pillar of management” (Pakhare, 2011, par 3). The plans should be both short-term and long-term. How an organization allocates it resources is one aspect of the planning process.

Often, a company engages in strategic planning whereby it usually analyzes its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). Having done a SWOT analysis, it can then proceed to making a more detailed strategic plan. An example of the planning stage is when a marketing manager designs a marketing plan in launching a new product. Wijesinghe enumerates various positive characteristics of planning such as being “goal-oriented, primacy, pervasive, flexible, continuous, involves choice, futuristic and involves mental exercise” (Wijesinghe, 2010, par 5).

The second function of management is organizing. Organizing involves gathering all the resources of the company including the physical, human and financial resources. The tasks or activities that are needed to be done should be classified and assigned to the particular departments and individuals. Responsibilities are created and authorities delegated (Norman, n.d.). The organizing function of management is important because it encourages specialization, describes the work that must be done and by whom and it categorizes authority and command (Wijesinghe, 2010).

Leading is the third management function. Under this function, the manager motivates and positively influences the employees so that they will be able to perform their tasks well. Managers should learn to communicate effectively with the employees to ensure that the company’s goals are achieved. Providing for monetary as well as non-monetary incentives may be necessary to influence and motivate the employees. Managers must be able to teach and assist the employees especially when they are faced with difficulties in performing their duties.

The last function of management is controlling. Controlling involves “measuring achievement against established objectives and goals” (Norman, n.d., par 5). If there is any deviation from the achievement of the goals, the manager must identify the reason for the deviation and think of a way to correct it (Norman, n.d.). Monitoring and evaluating employee performance is a part of this function. There are two types of managerial control. One is the preventive control which is “designed to prevent undesired performance before it occurs” (Wijesinghe, 2010, par 17).

The second type of control is the corrective control which is done when the actual performance of a task is not in line with the planned performance (Wijesinghe, 2010). One thinks that the most important managerial function is the planning function because that is where all things begin. Without a good plan, the manager cannot organize, lead and control effectively. If in the first place the plan is not well thought of and not workable, it will be impossible for the manager to carry out his other functions effectively.

This does not mean however that the other three functions are not important. All the four functions should be properly coordinated to ensure the achievement of company goals and objectives.ReferencesNorman, L. (n.d.). What are the four basic functions that make up the management process? Retrieved from smallbusiness.chron.com: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/four-basic-functions-make-up-management-process-23852.htmlPakhare, J. (2011, December 5). Management concepts - The four functions of management.

Retrieved from buzzle.com: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/management-concepts-the-four-functions-of-management.htmlWijesinghe, A. (2010, May 28). Main functions of management. Retrieved from ezinearticles: http://ezinearticles.com/?Main-Functions-of-Management&id=4379082.