Management function

Management has been described as a social process

involving responsibility for economical and effective planning & regulation of operation of an enterprise in the fulfillment of given purposes. It is a dynamic process consisting of various elements and activities. These activities are different from operative functions like marketing, finance, purchase etc. Rather these activities are common to each and every manger irrespective of his level or status.

Function of management
Planning
Organizing Staffing

Directing
Controlling

Advantages of Planning
Facilitates quick achievement of objectives: Planning

facilitates quick achievement of business objectives. In the planning process, the objectives to be achieved are clearly decided / finalised and plans are prepared and executed for achieving such well defined objectives. Planning ensures achievement of objectives in an orderly and quick manner. Brings unity of purpose and direction: Planning brings unity of purpose and direction before the entire organisation as it is for achieving certain well defined goals. Planning diverts all resources in one direction for achieving well defined objectives.

Limitations of Planning
Time-consuming and costly: It is argued that planning is a

lengthy process as it involves collection of data, forecast, research and analysis. Similarly, planning is essentially the job of highly paid experts. As a result, planning is a timeconsuming and costly activity. Only large firms can undertake planning due to heavy cost and lengthy procedure involved in it. Ineffective due to environmental changes: Business environment changes frequently and plans are required to be adjusted as per the changes in the situation through suitable modifications. However, such revision/modification creates a number of problems. Such adjustments in the operational plan are always costly, timeconsuming.

Steps in Planning Process

Classifying the problems
Determining the objectives Collecting complete information and data

Analyzing and classifying the information

Establishing planning premises: Determining alternative plans Selecting operating plan and preparing derivative

plans

Organizing
Organizing is the function of management which follows

planning. It is a function in which the synchronization and combination of human, physical and financial resources takes place. All the three resources are important to get results. Therefore, organizational function helps in achievement of results which in fact is important for the functioning of a concern. According to Chester Barnard, Organizing is a function by which the concern is able to define the role positions, the jobs related and the coordination between authority and responsibility. Hence, a manager always has to organize in order to get results

Process of organizing
Fixing the objectives of the organisation
Finding activities must for achieving objectives Grouping the similar activities

Defining responsibilities of each employee

Delegating authority to employees Defining authority relationship Providing employees all required resources Coordinating efforts of all to achieve goals

Directing
It is that part of managerial function which actuates the

organizational methods to work efficiently for achievement of organizational purposes. It is considered life-spark of the enterprise which sets it in motion the action of people because planning, organizing and staffing are the mere preparations for doing the work. Direction is that inertpersonnel aspect of management which deals directly with influencing, guiding, supervising, motivating sub-ordinate for the achievement of organizational goals. Direction has following elements:

Supervision Motivation Leadership Communication

Characteristics
Pervasive Function
Continuous Activity Human Factor

Creative Activity
Executive Function Delegate Function

Controlling
It implies measurement of accomplishment against

the standards and correction of deviation if any to ensure achievement of organizational goals. The purpose of controlling is to ensure that everything occurs in conformities with the standards. An efficient system of control helps to predict deviations before they actually occur.

Process of controlling
Establishment of standards Measurement of performance Comparison of actual and standard performance Taking remedial actions

Facility of coordination
Management and coordination of

the business activities and workers is a very important role. It binds all the workers and their activities and motivates them to move towards the common objectives through coordination. Control will play the role of a middleman between the workers and management to provide the required information in time to the workers.

Conclusion
To ensure an organisation's success (meets its

objectives and goals) it needs effective and efficient managerial staff. This requires managers to

understand how their functions, skills and roles synergise together while also adapting to changes

overtime.