How does the 4 management function relate to each other?
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The conventional view of a manager is someone who controls and directs his employees. Management theorists still cite controlling as one of the four management functions. Despite this label, progressive managers strive to serve as helpers and supporters. Show
In fact, some companies give managers titles such as "coach," "team leader" or "coordinator." These titles help reflect the sentiment that management should encourage and inspire, rather than berate and belittle. The management process holds leaders accountable for the big picture. During planning, managers decide how to fit all the pieces of that big picture together. What is Strategic Planning?A strategy refers to big-picture goals, such as increasing profits or diversifying or going from a regional company to a national one. Tactics are the tools you use to effect your strategic goals. Managers plan by deciding what to accomplish, in order. Executive management lays out the corporate goals to achieve, while department heads determine how to achieve those goals within their area. Planning is the first step in the management process, explains the Balanced Scorecard Institute. Goals can be for a department, a division, the entire company or for an individual product. For example, it may be the goal of a retail store manager to increase customer loyalty by 15 percent in one year's time. In some cases, managers may decide on goals for their employees' development. Organizing a Strategic PlanOrganizing is the management function that entails gathering resources. Once a plan is in place, managers need to structure a way to accomplish their goals. Leaders arrange human and material resources according to how they plan to achieve their corporate objectives. If the objectives are to increase employee job satisfaction and decrease turnover, managers might hire outside help from consultants. They could also schedule more training sessions on job tasks, responsibilities and technical knowledge. This could mean leaders will have to reach out to the company's trainers, mentors and specialists Leading Different TeamsLeading is about communicating the plan to employees and advising them along the way, according to The Hartford's small business website. Managers try to motivate those who perform the tasks that are necessary to achieve their goals. The leading function isn't so much about telling employees what to do but why it needs done. When they lead, managers build relationships by answering questions, addressing concerns and showing positive enthusiasm. Leaders often can't carry out their planned objectives alone and need to instill a sense of teamwork and harmony. Controlling the ProcessControlling is about measuring performance results against planned objectives. In other words, did the employees and the company accomplish what they wanted to? If actual performance fell short of management's goals, what can be done to correct it? Controlling isn't always a reactive function, as managers may intervene while employees are carrying out the plan. Intervention may be necessary if actual performance is too far off track. Managers may revise or tweak goals and objectives. They may also use performance results to plan future goals.
How does an organization move the needle toward achieving its goals? Who’s in charge of steering employees in the right direction as they pursue those objectives? Here’s the answer: management. Yes, leaders and supervisors are the ones who not only set the finish line but also support their teams in crossing it. To do so, managers need to fulfill core responsibilities known as the four functions of management. Introducing the four functions of managementThink of the four basic functions of management as the four core responsibilities every leader needs to fulfill. They were initially identified as five functions by Henri Fayol in the early 1900s. Over the years, Fayol’s functions were combined and reduced to the following four main functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. No matter which industry you work in, the functions of management are consistent and applicable across all sectors. Below, we’ll give some clarity and define four functions of management. But first, it’s important to understand that each function isn’t exclusive. Instead, each one builds upon the function before it — when they’re all in place, the most effective management happens. PlanningManagers first need to develop a detailed action plan. In the planning phase, management should identify the goals and create a reasonable course of action to attain them. There may be multiple ways to achieve the goal, but it’s management’s responsibility to determine the best course of action. Drafting a successful plan includes aligning the goal with the organizational vision, considering factors that may impact the project internally and externally, and establishing a realistic timeline while being mindful of resource and budgetary constraints. Three different types of planning in management include:
OrganizingThe organizing function consists of taking the previously created plan and putting it into action. Key activities in this function include:
Organizing facilitates a clear development of the organizational structure for executing the plan, but it also encourages collaboration among team members spread amongst various teams and departments. When the Project Management Institute (PMI) cites poor communication as one of the leading causes of project failure, it’s evident that ensuring effective collaboration amongst team members plays an influential role in driving a project’s success. LeadingWith the first two functions of management underway, managers should then shift their attention to the people. The leading stage consists of motivating and influencing employees to do the work and meet performance standards. Keep in mind that effective leadership extends beyond delegating and directing employees what to do. Examples of effective leadership skills that managers can focus on include frequent and clear communication, expressing empathy, being an active listener, maintaining transparency, and empowering the team to perform to the best of their ability. Utilizing interpersonal skills and different leadership styles for different situations is crucial for managers to tap into while leading their employees. ControllingThe controlling function consists of monitoring performance and progress through project execution and making adjustments as needed. Managers should ensure that employees meet deadlines while simultaneously balancing synchronicity amongst the project’s resources and the overall budget. Managers may need to take corrective actions and be proactive in their approach to ensure that team members meet their assigned deadlines. Two key areas where managers may need to make adjustments include staffing and budget. For example, let’s say an assigned leader working on a project leaves the company. The manager will need to identify a replacement as soon as possible, train them efficiently, and, hopefully, keep the project running smoothly. From a budget perspective, managers should monitor spend closely. Suppose a project starts to run over budget — in that case, the manager should identify what’s causing the overspend. If that expense is justified, they should proactively ask for additional funding or curb spending to be more mindful of the budget in other areas. Tips for applying the four functions of managementApplying the four functions of management may seem challenging at first, but with the right resources and knowledge, managers can carry out all duties successfully. Feeling intimidated? Don’t be. Here are a few quick tips for getting started:
Keep in mind that leadership is a learning process — whether you’re brand new or well-established. As you manage a team or project, you’ll uncover different areas where you can improve and grow. Become a successful manager using the four functions of managementManagement isn’t an easy gig, and there isn’t a tried-and-true approach that works for everybody. However, every manager fulfills the same core responsibilities, known as the four functions of management. When a manager checks the box of each of those major functions, they’re well-equipped to lead projects, teams, departments, or even entire companies to their objectives. Want to boost your management abilities and keep your team and project on track? Sign up for a free trial of Wrike and start planning today. More resources for managers and team leaders
Sorry, this content is unavailable due to your privacy settings. To view this content, click the “Cookie Preferences” button and accept Advertising Cookies there. Cookie Preferences How do the functions of management work together?There are four generally accepted functions of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. These functions work together in the creation, execution and realization of organizational goals. The four functions of management can be considered a process where each function builds on the previous function.
What are the four 4 functions of management describe each one too?What Are the Four Functions of Management? The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading and controlling. In order to be a successful manager, you must do all four while managing your work and team. These are the foundations of any professional managerial position.
How are the five basic functions of the management process related to one another?At the most fundamental level, management is a discipline that consists of a set of five general functions: planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. These five functions are part of a body of practices and theories on how to be a successful manager.
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