Overview of Management
Introduction
In today technologically-advanced, fast-paced business world, it is imperative that
organizations have talented and capable people in management roles with the ability to
adapt to an ever-changing environment. These leaders and managers have a variety of
responsibilities and call on many different skills to move an organization forward in
achieving its goals.
Primary Functions of Management
Management is how companies get organizational goals accomplished and managers are
the people assigned with the task of accomplishing them. Managers are thought to achieve
organizational goals through four primary functions of management: 1) planning and
strategizing, 2) organizing, 3) leading, and 4) controlling. (Mejia 2002).
Planning involves identifying the firm objectives and ideas for moving forward in the
future while strategizing is more actively looking at how the organization is going to get
there given the impact of the surrounding environment including competitors, regulatory
changes, and other factors. Strategy is analogous to a chess game in play while planning is
more in advance of events (Mejia 2002).
Organizing involves configuring the internal work environment for optimum effectiveness
and efficiency. It includes organizing and/or delegating people and tasks, gathering and
then parsing out necessary resources, developing policies and procedures, and prioritizing
the work (Mejia 2002).
Leading involves being the presence or figurehead that people look towards to identify the
goals and culture of the organization. This is the political role involving the most presence
and charisma to inspire and motivate the troops”“ to live up to their potential and help the
company achieve its goals (Mejia 2002).
Controlling is about measuring how well the organization did compared to the plan and
making course corrections as needed. It is also involves sheperding or mentoring
non-management personnel to help facilitate their understanding of the work and what
they need to do to contribute to the organization success.
Who at Kudler is responsible for each primary function of management?
As the proprietor of Kudler Fine Foods, a small food product business, Kathy Kudler stays
involved in all of the primary functions of management. However,as the senior most
executive, her top focus is in planning and strategy and in leading. This is consistent with
the highest levels in most organizations. (Mejia 2002).
In addition, according to the organizational chart, the following people represent the
tactical managers of the company, and are also, to varying degrees, involved in all primary
functions of management:
Brenda Wagner, Director of Administration and Human Resources
Harvey Stephens, Director of Finance and Accounting
Yvonne Reynolds, Director of Store Operations
