Planning Function Of Management - Hooters

University of Phoenix

The Planning Function of Management

Introduction:

Corporate America did not become who they are today by hiring vast numbers of random employees, but by hiring proven managers who can effectively implement successful plans to meet the Corporate objectives. Management is responsible for and is evaluated on how well they meet the organizational objectives through the effective and efficient use of resources. A manager is evaluated by his or her performance of getting the objectives achieved efficiently and effectively through the use of subordinate employees. Management is evaluated on their supervisory ability to use the four functions of management to achieve the organizational objectives. There are three levels of management which include top-level, middle-level and front-line managers and they all participate in the first function of management, the planning function.

Differences in planning at different levels of management:

Top-level managers have executive positions with titles such as: Chairman of the Board, CEO, President and Vice President. Most organizations have only a few top-level managers they should have human and conceptual skills. These individuals are responsible for developing and defining the organization's purpose, objectives, strategies and long-term plans. They report to the organization's board of directors or owners. They supervise the middle-level managers and are responsible for the development and execution of the strategic plan, but do not usually implement it personally. This is called strategic planning and it involves analyzing areas such as finance, Human Resources and marketing to determine the capacity of the organization to meet its objectives. It involves creating a mission statement and setting long term objectives which are usually set to a five year plan. Top-level managers must review and revise the plans continually.

Middle-level managers have titles such as: Branch Manager, Manager or Department Head. They are responsible for implementing the top manager's strategic plans and developing short-term operating and tactical plans. They supervise the front-line managers. Operating plans have short-term objectives and are usually met within one year. Tactical planning translates broad strategic goals and plans into specific goals and plans that are relevant to a definite portion of the organization. (Bateman & Snell, (2004) Ch. 4) Tactical plans concentrate on the most important actions that a group must take to fulfill its part of the strategic plan. Middle-level managers must be a balance of top-level and front-line management's skills, human, conceptual and technical.

Front-line managers have titles such as: Supervisor, Office Manager, Head Nurse or Crew Leader. Unlike the other two levels of management, front-line managers do not supervise any other managers, they supervise subordinates. They are responsible for implementing the operating plans. They have a greater need for technical skills and are involved with the day-to-day production.

Why and how various kinds of plans must be integrated:

The planning processes, as well as the four functions of management should not and are not performed separately; each function depends on the others. They must be linked together, they must be consistent and they must mutually support one another. The difference between the planning, strategic planning and operational planning is primarily the timeframe and management levels involved. The secret to a lucrative organization is being able to bridge the gap between the planning processes and coordinate them into a successful strategic process. This calls for all levels of management within the organization to integrate the formulation and implementation of the planning processes.

New plan to address an ethical responsibility issue:

In recent class discussions, the franchise Hooters has been discussed and has peaked my interest on the company's ethical responsibilities. This company was established in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida by six Midwestern men who enjoyed finger foods, women and oldies on the jukebox. Hooters has become famous for its wings and cold beer, but everyone knows that it is the Hooters Girls that have attracted the most business. Austin Texas was the prototype for the Hooters Girl-bosomy, but also bubbly, an approachable All-American girl, not a distant Miss Universe. And Hooters is great an overcoming the objections of God-fearing communities by establishing itself as a good citizen. It is hard to hate a Hooters Girl that has just helped you raise $10,000 for the Special Olympics. (Retrieved online from http://www.hooters.com/Hooters-Fortune-9-2003.pdf Fortune Magazine. September 2003. Hooters: A Case Study. Pg. 4.)

While the company boasts millions and has survived over twenty years, with establishments all over the country, it has a stigma that cannot be denied. Management