Functions of Management
By Joshua R. Dillenback
University of Phoenix
February 1, 2010
1246 Words
Introduction:
There are many working definitions of management that exist, but there is a one very distinct definition that stands among the others: “Management is the process of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling an organization's operations in order to achieve a coordination of the human and material resources essential in the effective and efficient attainment of objectives" (Newport & Trewatha, 1976, pg. 64). Planning, organizing, actuating or leading, and controlling have become what are commonly known as the four functions of management.
I have been a member of the United States Air Force for more than eight years and have experience in each of these four functions. In the Air Force, there is a main, common goal and that is to maintain control of air and space power, successfully control the deployment of troops across the world, and help with the protection of homeland security. These goals are taken from strategies, doctrines, and policies that the military must comply with. The Air Force has been a successful organization for over 60 years, fought in many wars and has earned the title of the most powerful air force in the world. The reason the U.S. Military has lasted so long and has become so successful is because of management. A combination of strategic planning and organizing, powerful leadership, and disciplinary control makes our countries military the most powerful force in the world! Most people have heard of Sun Tzu's “_The Art of War_,” in recent years The Art of War has been applied to management because it expresses how to achieve victory without the need to go to battle by outmaneuvering and/or outsmarting an opponent. “_The Art of War_ has found application as a training guide for many competitive endeavors that do not involve combat and as such it has been increasingly applied to problems of organizational...