Functions of Management

Running head: FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT

Functions of Management

UOP

MGT330

August 22, 2005

Functions of Management

Management typically conjures images of strength, organization, and efficiency. This is not a chance happening, for there is a practical process in place in every successful management organization. Management functions with a set procedure that varies by the necessary focus. The four functions of management include planning leading organizing and controlling. Each function is an integral part of the success or failure of the organization. In order for these practices to succeed in an operational manner, an understanding must be reached concerning the basics in which these practices are in relationship to the business structure. (Bateman, Snell, 2007).

Planning is the first tool listed in the four functions of management process. The difference between a successful and unsuccessful manager lies within the planning procedure. Planning is the logical thinking through goals and making the decision as to what needs to be accomplished in order to reach the organizations’ objectives. Managers use this process to plan for the future, like a blueprint to foresee problems, decide on the actions to evade difficult issues and to beat the competition. (Bateman, Snell, 2007). Hydrochem has a dedicated team of planners at each branch that assist the branch manager in forecasting and planning for the various accounts. This is applicable to the day to day planning ad the long term strategic planning.

Organization is a matter of appointing individuals to assignments or responsibilities that blend together to develop one purpose, to accomplish the goals. In order to reach the objective outlined in the planning process, structuring the work of the organization is a vital concern. Goals will be reached in accordance with the company’s actual values and procedures. A successful manager must know their subordinates and what they are capable of to organize their most valuable resources, its employees. (Bateman, Snell, 2007). Hydrochem makes a pronounced effort to stay in touch with the pulse of its employees and classes them accordingly. This is achieved through management staffing the work division, setting up the proper training for the employees, acquiring additional resources, and organizing the various working groups into a productive team. “The manager must then go over the plans with the team, break the assignments into units that one person can complete, link related jobs together in an understandable well-organized style and appoint the jobs to individuals” (Allen, G., 1998).

Organizational success is often determined by the quality of leadership that is exhibited. "A leader can be a manager, but a manager is not necessarily a leader," says Gemmy Allen (1998). Leadership is the power of persuasion of one person over others to inspire actions towards achieving the goals of the company. Those in the leadership role must be able to motivate workers to an elevated goal and direct themselves to the duties or responsibilities assigned during the planning process