The functions of a manager provide a useful framework for organizing management knowledge under the various heads of planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. Managerial functions are effective tools for managers to achieve the organization’s planned objectives. They include the general administrative duties that need to be carried out in virtually all organizations.
Planning
Planning
can be defined as the process, by which, managers decide the mission and
objectives of the firm and take necessary steps to achieve the desired
objectives. At the same time, managers need to determine the future trends in
business and incorporate change and innovation into the organization from time
to time.
There
are various types of plans and they may range from planning to define the
overall purposes and objectives of an organization to planning for a specific
action. Planning helps a firm decide its future course of action.
Organizing
Organizing
is the process of assigning tasks and allocating resources to individuals to
enable them to accomplish organizational goals. Organizing is a continuous
process of determining (1) which tasks are to be performed, (2) how tasks can
best be combined into specific jobs, (3) how jobs can be grouped into various
units, and (4) the authority and reporting relationships within the corporate
hierarchy. The organizational structure of a firm is a key element in
determining its success or failure. If plans are not organized properly even
the best of plans can fail. On the other hand, the pitfalls associated with a
poor plan can be eliminated by excellent organization.
Staffing
Today,
staffing is better known as “human resource management” and involves manning or
filling the various positions in the organizational hierarchy. Activities like
determining manpower requirements, assessing the number of people presently
available in the organization, recruiting and selecting candidates, training
and placing them in the organization come under the purview of staffing. This
function also deals with compensation, performance appraisal, promotion and
career planning.
Leading
Leading
is defined as “the management function of influencing, motivating, and
directing people towards the achievement of organizational goals.” It is the
management function that involves influencing and inspiring team members to
perform well and accomplish corporate objectives. Leading involves (1)
communicating with others, (2) leadership styles and approaches, and (3)
motivating people to put forth the effort required to achieve organizational
goals. In simple words, it is the act of making things happen through others.
Controlling
The
final step in the management process is to monitor the progress of an organization
towards its goals. Controlling can be defined as the continuous measurement and
analysis of actual operations against the established industry standards
developed during the planning process and corrections of deviations, if any.
The basic control process involves (1) comparing performance with standards,
(2) determining where negative deviations occur, and (3) developing remedial
measures to correct deviations.