MANAGEMENT: THEORY, PRACTICE, APPLICATION
Functions of Management
Management is defined as the process of working with people and resources to accomplish
organizational goals Snell, Bateman (2007). Even though the people, resources and goals
might change constantly, the one thing that never changes is the way that managers
achieve these goals. The entire concept and effectiveness of management is made up of
four distinct and equally important functions. The four functions of management, defined
as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. These four functions, when applied
simultaneously will create a work environment that conducive to productivity. If any one
of the four functions is not applied by managers that manager has failed to be an effective
leader. It is important for managers to know what the four functions are and how to apply
them in the work place. As a manager your tasks and duties will vary, having such a big
work load often makes it difficult to continually apply the four functions of management.
It important to periodically double check and make sure that youre applying all four of
these functions in a judicious manner.
Planning
Planning is specifying the goals to be achieved and deciding in advance the appropriate
actions needed to achieve those goals Bateman, Snell (2007). Murphy Law (2007) states
that “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”“. Planning is an integral part of any goal.
Take as an example my employer Safety-Kleen, where I am employed as a market sales
specialist. The sales period is four weeks; there is a quota that every salesman must meet
