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Management is defined as the process of getting things done, effectively and efficiently,
through and with other people to achieve specific goals and purposes. Henri Fayol, a
French geologist and engineer who was one of the proponents of the Administrative
Theory believed that management, regardless of the specialized area, was comprised of
fourteen universal principles. These are Division of Labour or Work, Authority, Discipline,
Unity of Command, Unity of Direction, Subordination of the individual interest to the
general interest, Remuneration, Centralization, Scalar chain or Line of Authority, Order,
Equity, Stability of tenure to personnel, Initiative and Esprit de Corps.
The functions of management describe the managers jobs. The four main functions of
management are planning, organising, leading, and controlling, although some identify
additional functions. The functions of management define the process of management as
distinct from accounting, finance, marketing, and other business functions.
Planning is the core function of management that involves setting objectives and
determining a course of action for achieving these objectives. Planning is a process
consisting of several steps. The process begins with environmental scanning, which simply
means that planners must be aware of the critical contingencies facing their organization in
terms of economic conditions, their competitors, and their customers.
They are three types of planning: strategic, tactical and operational. Planners must
establish objectives, which are statements of what needs to be achieved and when, then
identify alternative courses of action for achieving objectives. After evaluating the various
alternatives, they must then make decisions about the best courses of action for achieving
objectives.
Organising is the function of management that involves developing an organisational
structure and allocating human resources to ensure the accomplishment of objectives. It
determines what tasks are to be done, who is to do them, how the tasks are to be grouped,
who reports to whom, and where decisions are to be made.
Leading involves influencing others toward the attainment of organisational objectives.
Effective leading requires the manager to motivate subordinates, communicate effectively,
and efficiently use power. If managers are effective leaders, their subordinates will be
enthusiastic about exerting effort toward the attainment of organizational objectives. To
become effective at leading, managers must first understand their subordinates
personalities, values, attitudes, and emotions.
The final management function is controlling. Controlling involves ensuring that
performance does not deviate from standards. Controlling consists of three steps, which
include establishing performance standards, comparing actual performance against
standards, and taking corrective action when necessary. The managerial function of
