Functions of Management

Management is defined as the process of overseeing and co-ordinating resources efficiently and effectively in line with the goals of an organisation. In short, management refers to the process of delegating tasks to employees to be performed successfully.

The management process at all levels of an organisation involves planning, organising, leading and controlling resources in an organisation. A manager does not necessarily have to know how to perform a specific job as he only acts as a coordinator to ensure the smooth running of operations.

For example, the manager of a clothes manufacturing factory does not necessarily have to know in detail the techniques of making clothes. However, he needs to ensure that each resource put under his control, such as capital, factory and manpower, functions properly and that the objectives outlined by the organisation are met.

Nevertheless, all the functions highlighted above are merely for classification purposes in management studies. In reality, management functions usually overlap. Moreover, the functions in management are inter-dependent. For example, a well-structured organisation will find it impossible to advance if there is no thorough planning. The same applies to an organisation led by an efficient director but with poor control systems. In summary, all functions are equally important in an organisation.

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