Functions Of Management

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The four functions of management

Executing the goals of an organization is the main responsibility of a manager, and their tasks can be broken down into four basic functions; planning, organizing, leading and controlling. While all managers at every level of a company perform these tasks, the amount of time spent on each is dependant upon the level of management and the specifics of the organization. Top level managers, such as company presidents, vice presidents, chief executive officers, and chief operating officers are responsible for the overall management of an organization. It is also necessary for them to “…focus on long-term issues and emphasize the survival, growth, and overall effectiveness of the organization” (Bateman & Snell, 2007). Middle level managers are the bridge between upper and lower level management. They take the goals of the upper management and break into specific objectives and activities (Bateman & Snell). Finally, frontline managers, also known as operational managers, perform the day to day activities and traditionally are the link between management and their employees.

My organization was a corporately held entity that consisted of vice-presidents, area directors, general managers, and managers. I would identify upper management to include the area director and VP, while my direct superior was the general manager (middle management). In my role as the banquet and office manager I had more interaction with the day to day activities (frontline manager).

Planning

Identifying goals, and mapping out the best route to achieve the desired results encompasses the main idea of planning. Plans set an organization up for success, and can include analytics, forecasting, goal setting, strategizing, ...

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...out there are many times that glitches are found in the way it is made. Once the employee and manager observe that a product or process does not work as intended, they can send the feedback up the line. This process starts at the frontline manager and works its way up. Once the problem has been identified, recommendations for adjustments can be made, and approved by upper management.

Conclusion

The roles performed by a manager differ by the day or even by the hour. A manager needs to wear many a hat, and sometime simultaneously. Understanding and applying the principals of management allow a manager to plan, organize, lead and control. These principals make for a successful individual, and corporation.

References

Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2007). Management: Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive World. New York: The McGraw-Hill Company, Inc.

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