Four Functions of Management

Four Functions of Management

The Four Functions of Management

The four functions of management are: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Each organization must have and follow these four functions in order to become a successful business. Not only does the organization as a whole have to follow these four functions but the managers in the business must use them more than anyone else. If the management does not follow the functions correctly, then the organization and people who work there will be lost. All four are important in each way and must be carefully processed in order to work correctly.

Planning and Organizing

"Planning is the core area of all the functions of management" (Foundation for All Management Concepts, Sept. 12, 2007). Planning is the basis in which the other three functions should be built. However, planning is easy to put off as well. Delaying the planning stage can cause trouble for managers. Planning needs the management to show where the company is at the point in time, and where it would like to be in the future. From there a correct course of action to get the company's goals is determined. The planning stage is a constant development. There are uncontrollable, outside factors that can constantly change a company both positively and negatively. Getting organized is the next function of management. Management must organize all its assets in order to realize the course of action it determined in the planning stage. Through the development of getting organized, management will decide the inside organizational arrangement, and also give out needed material.

Leading and Controlling

The third function of management is leading. During the leading stage of management, people are able to direct and manage the actions of the staff in accomplishing the company's goals, and also supporting them in carrying out their own personal or career goals. This influence can be gained through enthusiasm, talking, and leadership. Employees who are motivated greatly will usually excel at their job performance, and becoming a very important role in the company achieving its goals. Managers will then put a great deal of focus into motivating their employees for them to become greater at what they do. They will come up with rewards and programs based on the job performance and for what the employee needs. Communication is very important in this stage of management, because without the proper communication there would not be a great leader. Controlling is the last stage of the four functions. "The control process is cyclical which means it is never finished" (Controlling, 1994). The control process, like the other three, is constant. With controlling, the management is able to recognize any possible problems and take the basic measures. Management is also able to recognize any growing problems that need to be spoken to with the right action.

Relating to Organization

As an employee of the