Functions of Managers

Regardless of the type of the industry, the functions involved in an organization, or the organizational level at which one functions; every manager has to perform certain basic managerial functions such as planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling.

• Planning is the process of setting goals, and charting the best way of action for achieving the goals. This function also includes, considering the various steps to be taken to encourage the necessary levels of change and innovation.

For example, if a company is planning for a promotional campaign, then the manager responsible for the campaign has to chart out actions that are in the best interest of the firm.

• Organizing is the process of allocating and arranging work, authority and resources, to the members of the organization so that they can successfully execute the plans.

In many retail outlets, departments are organized (inventory department etc.), based on the nature of the job (product packing, grading, pricing, inventory etc.,)

• Staffing consists of recruiting, training and developing people, who form part of the organized efforts to contribute towards organizational growth.

For instance, recruiting programmers and analysts for a company. Training and developing them to achieve organizational goals forms a part of the staffing activity.

• Leading involves directing, influencing and motivating employees to perform essential tasks. This function involves display of leadership qualities, different leadership styles, different influencing powers, with excellent abilities of communication and motivation.

For instance, Sam Walton - founder of Walmart, leadership style was instrumental for the roaring success achieved by the retail giant. He always enjoyed interacting with his employees. He also made it a practice to visit each store, at least once in an year. He also insisted that the top level executives should visit the stores, and interact with employees.

• Controlling is the process of devising various checks to ensure that planned performance is actually achieved. It involves ensuring that actual activities confirm to the planned activities. Monitoring the financial statements, checking the cash registers to avoid overdraft etc., form part of this process.

The Essentials of control activities are:

• Setting performance standards

• Determining the yard-stick for measuring performance

• Measuring the actual performance

• Comparing actuals with the standard

• Taking corrective actions, if actuals do not match with standards