Four Functions Of Management

Functions of Management

In the organization of P.F. Changs’s, management is essential for the company to run efficiently. Managing a business effectively takes planning, organizing, leading and controlling employees. These basic four functions of management serve as guidelines that every organization can follow to help create a seamless work environment.

“Management is the process of working with people and resources to accomplish organizational goals” (Bateman, Snell, 2007, pg. 16). In any large organization management is essential for the business to function properly. When employees are managed properly all aspects of the organization run smoothly. Management helps keep employees content but it also keeps the company organized and well balanced.

The first function of management is planning which involves specifying goals to be achieved and deciding in advance the appropriate actions needed to achieve those goals (Bateman, Snell, 2007). Some questions that could be asked in the planning stage are; which goals should be pursued, or how should the goals be obtained (Webber, 2000)? At P.F. Chang’s managers need to specify what goals are to be achieved whether the goals are daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. Some daily goals of P.F. Chang’s would be to have a $1200 dollar lunch goal between twelve and two o’clock. One action that the managers could take to ensure this goal is reached would be to make sure customers don’t have to wait long. If more tables are to be seated then the higher the food sales could be for that day.

The first function (Planning) also involves planning activities, anticipating the future, determining objectives, analyzing current situations, and deciding what types of activities the company will engage in (Bateman, Snell, 2007). Managers at P.F. Chang’s have say of what work related activities will take place. Sometimes managers will schedule outside functions such as a trip to the bowling alley. Managers also have to analyze current situations on a regular basis. In a restaurant sometimes customers will not be pleased with something throughout their experience in the restaurant. Guest satisfaction is ensured by managers analyzing the situation to find out the appropriate action his or she should take.

The second function of management is organizing, which is assembling or coordinating the human, financial, physical information and other resources to achieve goals. (Bateman, Snell, 2007). Some activities that managers may perform include attracting people to the establishment, specifying job responsibilities, grouping jobs into work units and create a condition so that people and things work together (Bateman, Snell, 2007.) Hiring is an action of organizing. Managers hire new employees based upon their qualifications and if they believe that the employee will be able to perform tasks and reach goals of the company. After an employee is hired managers make sure that the new employee is doing his or her job correctly. During the employees training if he or she has questions, managers of the company will answer them. When the employee gets his or her check for the training they have done his or her payroll account was set up by the manager as well.

Leading is the third function of management. Leading is stimulation people to be high performers. It includes motivating and communication with employees, individually and in groups. Leading also involves close day to day contact with people helping guide and inspire them toward achieving team and organizational goals (Bateman, Snell, 2007). At P.F. Chang’s a mission