The Four Functions of Management
Management is creative problem solving achieved using the four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Organizing these four functions results in the competitive advantage a business may need in order to succeed. The result is the achievement of the company's missions and goals through the effective use of the organization's resources.
Planning is the ongoing process of developing the business' mission and objectives and determining how they will be accomplished (Erven, 2007). The difference between a successful and unsuccessful manager can be traced back to effective planning. Planning is like a blueprint for businesses. It is the first tool of the four functions and the other three functions can all be traced back to planning. They cannot be achieved until the plans and goals are in place and clearly defined. There are many examples of planning including: strategic planning (vision, mission), business planning, project planning, staffing planning, advertising and promotions planning, etc. (McNamara, 2007). Strategic planning is where the organization's strategies are determined using a 3 question process. Where are we now? Where do we want to be? How do we get there? (Erven, 2007). Answering these questions defines the business, the basic actions needed to be taken, and identifies the weaknesses and strengths. Strengths can be exploited and become the base of the mission and objectives of the company. Weaknesses can limit accomplishments and business growth. Both need to be addressed during the planning stage of the foundation of the business will be weak. Planning is essential to all levels of management, however, the technicalities vary at each level.< ...