Role and Functions of Management
Role and Functions of Management
Management refers to the activities carried out by managers (leaders, directors, headteachers, etc.) to ensure an organisation achieves its goals effectively. Although job titles differ, the core functions of management are similar in all organisations.
1. Planning
Setting aims or targets for the future.
Gives the organisation direction and purpose.
Involves deciding strategies and resources needed to achieve goals.
Example:
Increasing student numbers → planning new buildings.
Increasing sales → planning more advertising.
2. Organising
Managers delegate tasks to others.
Ensure people have the right resources to do their jobs.
Use organisational charts to:
Show authority and responsibility
Avoid duplication of work
Encourage specialisation
3. Coordinating
Means bringing departments and people together.
Prevents departments working in isolation.
Ensures everyone works towards the same goals.
Methods include:
Regular meetings
Project teams with members from different departments
4. Commanding
Involves leading, guiding, and supervising staff.
Managers:
Give instructions and guidance
Ensure targets and deadlines are met
Supervise work done by others
5. Controlling
Continuous process of checking performance.
Compares actual performance with planned targets.
If targets are not met, managers take corrective action.
Poor performance may be due to:
Lack of resources
Poor planning
Training issues (not always worker inefficiency)