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The Functions of Management
There may be many ways for an organization to become successful but the key to success
is not the system of the firm but the character and skills of the individual manager
(Maister, 2002). Maister further stated that the character and skill of individual managers
who practice what they preach and recognize the manager role in training employees are
what really significant. Management is necessary for a business to function, yet when
exploring the role of the manager, it becomes rather complex. Managers must be
resourceful; they are individuals who wear many hats. The job of every manager involves
what is known as the functions of management. Richard Daft definition of management is
the attainment of organizational goals in an effective and efficient manner through the
employment of the four management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and
controlling organizational resources (2005). Daft adds that these functions are
goal-directed, interrelated and interdependent.
The first of these functions, planning, involves creating a systematic process for achieving
the goals of the firm. It prepares the organization for the future. Planning can take many
forms and a variety of methods may be employed. Creativity and communication becomes
very important in the function of planning. For example, during my employment with a tax
service, in planning a marketing campaign several people had to be contacted.
Communication was initiated in different forms such as e-mail, telephone, written
memorandums and creative jingles. Today managers make use of planning through
software and technological items such as blackberries in order to be well prepared during
