Management Functions
Samantha Hecker
MGT/521
June 9,2015
Les Colegrove
Management Functions
First off, what is a manager and why are they important? According to Robbins and Coulter (2012), “A manager is someone who coordinates and oversees the work of other people so that organizational goals can be accomplished.” Managers are very important to an organization, because they are who makes sure that things run as smooth as possible. We need them to make sure that our goals are achieved. Not only do we need managers, but we need quality leadership, an effective manager in order to have a successful organization or business. “Without effective managers or leaders at all levels within organizations, it is difficult for companies to sustain profitability, productivity and good customer service.” As stated by Fisher & Gonzalez (2013)
All effective managers perform four functions no matter who or what department they are managing. These management functions include planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. A manager is effective if he implements all four of the functions effectively. The four roles that Tiffan believe to be important as a manager are to set clear expectations, to monitor and measure performance, acknowledge performance, and proactively support performance. These can be correlated with the four management functions mentioned by Robbins and Coulter, just named differently. To set clear expectations is the same as planning. Monitoring and measuring is the controlling function. Acknowledging one’s performance is just like leading or motivating. And lastly, to proactively support performance is organizing.
Planning is defined as setting goals, establishing strategies for achieving those goals and then developing the plans. Planning or setting clear expectations can identify goals and help set deadlines for those goals. Planning determines what will get done, how it will get done, and who will be the...