Functions of Management

Planning  

Planning this involve creating steps for the achievement of future organizational objectives.  It involves preparing the strategies and programmes for the business. This is the first step of the management process. It involves looking ahead. There are short term and long term plans. This function also involves defining duties and responsibilities.

Organizing 

Organization reduces cost, time and confusion. Managers must achieve all the essential gear, machinery and personnel for each job and position all jobs so that they are done in the most competent way. This involves the pulling together of all resources namely capital, labour, land, technology and entrepreneurship. It also involves the pooling of information. Resources must be in the right place at the right time. Organizing also includes designing structures, assigning duties and responsibilities, determining workflow, establishing schedules etc…

 Directing 

Managers must lead subordinates by giving them directives to execute the jobs assigned. Note that instructions should be clear and complete.

Delegating 

Delegating duties involves allowing others (e.g. supervisors) the power to have particular tasks done through the management of others. Hence, supervisors will make sure that workers complete jobs given to them. Delegation decreases the amount of work of the manager. This is a good way of training future managers.

Controlling

Managers need to frequently assess the work of subordinates, making sure that all jobs obey the rules to plan. Controlling involves supervising and checking to make sure jobs are being done. Systems are put in place to look out for problems like slackness, dishonesty etc… This also involves discussing better working conditions with management through performance appraisals.

Coordinating

Managers should bring together as one all the various organizational tasks or areas of the business so that the business may function harmoniously. Different operations should be integrated. All departments must all work together within the overall plan of the business. Departments must complement one another.

Motivating

Managers must encourage workers to execute their work well. This process involves influencing or enticing workers to do the right thing in order to improve productivity. Motivation in terms of the management function is extrinsic whereby it comes from outside rather than inside. For example what may influence workers are wages, fringe benefits, working conditions etc…