Management functions play a vital role in ensuring the success of an organization. It is an essential task that involves planning and executing various activities with the aim of achieving an organization’s strategic goals. Being a manager, however, can be hectic if the managers do not know what is expected of him/her. This report, therefore, outlines how the managers should exercise the four management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling as a way of achieving the set goals of the organization.
Planning
Planning is the cornerstone of all other functions and activities of an organization. It involves coming up with tasks, ideas and functions of the organization. It simply entails what needs to be done in order to achieve the company’s goals. According to Lussier (2011), managers have a responsibility of coming up with plans on what should be done and how it should be done. For instance, planning function of management is demonstrated by Wal-Mart’s where the managers work effectively to provide plans aimed at expanding the operations of the stores. These include the plan to expand their business involves planning to carry out intensive marketing to the Middle East, coming up with training programs for the employees and lowering process for the products as a way of attracting more customers.
Organizing
For the organization’s plans to be effective, it is necessary for the managers to organize how the set plans needs to be executed and by whom. This function involves allocation of duties to the staff in relation to the skills needed to complete the tasks. Managers need to organize their staff in terms of what needs to be done, how many employees need to do a particular task and for how long. The function of organizing is best executed through delegation of duties down the management chart (Lussier, 2011). For instance, for Wal-Mart to execute their expansion plan, marketing manager had to organize his team in regard to different channels to be used and also provide the necessary marketing materials. HR manager on the other hand needs to brief the training manager on the aspects that need training and the so on. Managers should ensure that there is an effective communication to ensure this function works properly
Leading
This function is achieved through a direct involvement of the manager with his staff members. A manager needs to motivate, encourage and direct the employees on what to be done. Mere allocation of duties without being a leader in the implementation process is not a suitable way of delivering success within an organization (Bateman & Snell, 2009). One of the success factors that the Wal-Mart management uses is engaging employees in through provision of an effective communication and feedback channels where the employees are able to air their opinions. This function is neglected by most managers and thus, there is need to improve how the managers relate to their staff as a way of bringing about work productivity and employees’ job satisfaction.
Controlling
After the managers plan and allocate duties to the employees, it is essential to monitor and control how these tasks are being carried out. Control refers to the supervisory roles of the managers and monitoring the effectiveness of the set plans. Some employees at Wal-Mart for instance, have a negative feeling towards the issue of constant supervision at workplace especially in monitoring the service providing staff. This role, however, is necessary as it enables the managers to identify the areas that the employee needs to improve as a way of meeting the set goals and principles (Bateman & Snell, 2009). Wal-Mart maintains the company’s corporate culture of quality service to customers through effective control of how operations are carried out. However, it is essential for the managers to avoid close supervision as this is likely to impact on the subordinate’s work productivity and job satisfaction.
References
Bateman & Snell (2009) Management: Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive World. (8th Edition) McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Dyck, B. & Neubert, M. (2008). Management: Current Practices and New Directions. NJ: Cengage Learning.
Lussier, R. (2011). Management Fundamentals: Concepts, Applications, Skill Development. NJ: Cengage Learning.
Rane S (2007) The Four Functions of Management: Foundation for All Management Concepts. Retrieved from: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/373994/the_four_functions_of_management_f oundation.com?cat=3.
