Management functions

Management Functions

Planning

• Planning is the process by which managers establish objectives and define the methods by which these objectives can be met.
• Planning involves analysing current situations, anticipating the future, determining objectives, and deciding in light of foreseeable conditions, what activities the organisation will undertake to achieve these objectives.

Organising

• Organising is establishing the internal structure of the organisation. The focus is on division, coordination, and control of tasks and the flow of information within the organisation.
• Organising seeks to distribute tasks, authority and resources among members of an organisation so as to facilitate goal accomplishment.

Leading

• Leading is influencing others to engage in the work necessary to achieve the organisation’s goals.
• This involves communicating, guiding, motivating and inspiring staff towards achieving shared objectives. Managerial leadership involves the management of people, and involves communicating a clear vision and strategy, building staff commitment, and motivating staff.

Controlling

• Controlling involves verifying that actual performance is in line with planned performance. When there are discrepancies between the two, the manager must then take corrective action.
• Effective controlling requires the existence of plans, since planning provides the necessary performance standards or objectives.
• Typical steps in the controlling process include: establishing standards of performance, measuring actual performance, comparing actual performance with the standards, and taking corrective action when necessary.

Coordinating

• Coordinating is a hidden, but key function of management. It focuses on ensuring the different parts of the organisation work together efficiently and effectively to achieve overall organisational goals.
• Key components include aligning team efforts, ensuring effective communication, facilitating cooperation, and making sure the different parts of the organisation are aware of and understand the overall strategic direction.

Decision Making

• Decision making is the act of choosing one alternative from among a set of alternatives.
• An effective decision-making process involves identifying and diagnosing the problem, generating alternative solutions, evaluating alternatives, making the choice, implementing the decision, and evaluating the decision.