Organizations must follow four basic functions of management. The four functions of management; planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are the fundamental tools essential for management to utilized

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Four Functions of Management

Chase Dodson

University of Phoenix

Management: Theory, Practice, Application MGT / 330

Mr. Cornell McGee

December 12, 2005

Four Functions of Management

         The American Heritage Dictionary defines management as the act, manner or practice of managing, supervising, or controlling. In addition, management is the process of working with people and resources to accomplish organizational goals (Bateman et al, 2004). Managers are the individuals who plan, organize, lead, and control the activities of the organization so that its goals can be achieved. In order for organizations to become or continue to be successful in achieving their goals, management within the organizations must follow four basic functions of management. The four functions of management; planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are the fundamental tools essential for management to utilized for the success of every small or large organization.

        Planning produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does, and why it does it (Supervision - Management Moderns, 1998). The planning stage is the initial stage of the four functions. Planning is specifying the goals to be achieved and deciding in advance the appropriate actions needed to achieve those goals (Bateman et al, 2004).   Planning is important at all levels of management, but the characteristics of planning may vary among the ranks. Common characteristics may include being proactive to change, following operational guidelines, creation of team/goal objectives, action planning, and problem solving. Most importantly the values, mission, and the visions shared between management are crucial within the organization.  At DSW Shoes, planning is vital to the success of the store. With over 36,000 pairs of shoes and accessories, it is imperative a plan is implemented on a day-to-day basis. Without strategic planning from all levels of management, the success of the business could be at stake.

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        A key issue in accomplishing the goals identified in the planning process is structuring the work of the organization. Organizing is assembling and coordinating the human, financial, physical, informational, and other resources needed to achieve goals (Bateman et al, 2004). Today the roles of management are changing. Organizing activities include roles and responsibilities from the employee. The unique characteristics of employees are important in the organization process because employees may possess qualities that are best suited to the operations of the organization. Managers have adapted to these ideas to implement organizational roles and responsibilities to employees to capitalize on the advantages of ...

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