The Four Functions Of Management

The Four Functions of Management

The Four Functions of Management

Robin McLean

MGT/330

January 10, 2013

Instructor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Organizations of all sizes develop and implement management concepts they deem necessary for it to run smoothly and accomplish their goals and objectives. How well the concepts work can determine how well the organization operates and how successful it will be. The four basic functions of management utilized to implement these concepts are planning, organizing, directing and controlling. This paper will discuss these functions and how they relate to management.

Planning is the first function we will discuss. Planning is the foundation of all functions of management upon which the other three areas should be built. During planning, management must evaluate the company's present state then determine future goals. After goals are established a course of action to reach the organization's goals is determined and implemented. Some of the activities undertaken during planning include evaluating objectives, electing strategies, examining current situations and determining the resources required for the company to obtain its goals.

I work for one of the stores owned by my church's organization which is nationwide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who has a job training and job placement program in place for members and non-members. The strategic plan at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints must be pursuant to the policies of the Global Service Center and the board owned privately by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints. The long-range plan ensures that the program continues to meet its mission with effectiveness and efficiency. The plan blends new standards with internal assessment, public accountability and principles of continuous improvement. In addition to goals and objectives, the plan includes strategies, priorities, activities, indicators of success, offices of accountability and timelines that will require management action and updating. Newly approved mission, vision and values statements underline the plan and are reinforced through the planning and implementation processes.

Organizing is the second management process, this process involves aligning the steps and resources to accomplish the company's goals which involves determining the structure of the organization, placing employees in specific areas or in a team and allocating the resources to the staff to reach those objectives. According to Rane (2011), Management will divide up the work that needs to be done, determine appropriate departments and delegate authority and responsibility.

Directing