FUNCTION OF MANAGEMENT

The concept of management has acquired special significance in the present competitive and complex business world. Efficient and purposeful management is absolutely essential for the survival of a business unit. Management concept is comprehensive and covers all aspects of business. In simple words, management means utilizing available resources in the best possible manner and also for achieving well defined objectives. It is a distinct and dynamic process involving use of different resources for achieving well defined objectives. The resources are: men, money, materials, machines, methods and markets. These are the six basic inputs in management process (six M's of management) and the output is in the form of achievement of objectives. It is the end result of inputs and is available through efficient management process.

The term 'management' is used extensively in business. It is the core or life giving element in business. We expect that a business unit should be managed efficiently. This is precisely what is done in management. Management is essential for the conduct of business activity in an orderly manner. It is a vital function concerned with all aspects of working of an enterprise.

According to Mary Parker Fallett, "Management is the art of getting things done through people".

From above definition we have following   characteristics of Management

       i.          Management is a managerial process

     ii.          Management is a social process.

   iii.          Management is action-based.

   iv.          Management involves achieving results through the efforts of others.

     v.          Management is a group activity.

The function  of management are as follows

       i.          Planning:

 Planning is the primary function of management. It involves determination of a course of action to achieve desired results/objectives. Planning is the starting point of management process and all other functions of management are related to and dependent on planning function. Planning is the key to success, stability and prosperity in business. It acts as a tool for solving the problems of a business unit. Planning plays a pivotal role in business management It helps to visualize the future problems and keeps management ready with possible solutions.

     ii.          Organizing:

 Organizing is next to planning. It means to bring the resources (men, materials, machines, etc.) together and use them properly for achieving the objectives. Organisation is a process as well as it is a structure. Organising means arranging ways and means for the execution of a business plan. It provides suitable administrative structure and facilitates execution of proposed plan. Organising involves different aspects such as departmentation, span of control delegation of authority, establishment of superior-subordinate relationship and provision of mechanism for co-ordination of various business activities.

    iii.          Staffing:

 Staffing refers to manpower required for the execution of a business plan. Staffing, as managerial function, involves recruitment, selection, appraisal, remuneration and development of managerial personnel. The need of staffing arises in the initial period and also from time to time for replacement and also along with the expansion and diversification of business activities. Every business unit needs efficient, stable and cooperative staff for the management of business activities. Manpower is the most important asset of a business unit. In many organisations, manpower planning and development activities are entrusted to personnel manager or HRD manager. 'Right man for the right job' is the basic principle in staffing.

   iv.          Directing (Leading):

 Directing as a managerial function, deals with guiding and instructing people to do the work in the right manner. Directing/leading is the responsibility of managers at all levels. They have to work as leaders of their subordinates. Clear plans and sound organisation set the stage but it requires a manager to direct and lead his men for achieving the objectives. Directing function is quite comprehensive. It involves Directing as well as raising the morale of subordinates. It also involves communicating, leading and motivating. Leadership is essential on the part of managers for achieving organisational objectives.

     v.          Coordinating:

 Effective coordination and also integration of activities of different departments are essential for orderly working of an Organisation. This suggests the importance of coordinating as management function. A manager must coordinate the work for which he is accountable. Co-ordination is rightly treated as the essence of management. It may be treated as an independent function or as a part of organisms function. Coordination is essential at all levels of management. It gives one clear-cut direction to the activities of individuals and departments. It also avoids misdirection and wastages and brings unity of action in the Organisation. Co-ordination will not come automatically or on its own Special efforts are necessary on the part of managers for achieving such coordination.

   vi.          Controlling:

 Controlling is an important function of management. It is necessary in the case of individuals and departments so as to avoid wrong actions and activities. Controlling involves three broad aspects: (a) establishing standards of performance, (b) measuring work in progress and interpreting results achieved, and (c) taking corrective actions, if required. Business plans do not give positive results automatically. Managers have to exercise effective control in order to bring success to a business plan. Control is closely linked with other managerial functions. It is rightly treated as the soul of management process. It is true that without planning there will be nothing to control It is equally true that without control planning will be only an academic exercise Controlling is a continuous activity of a supervisory nature.

  vii.          Motivating:

 Motivating is one managerial function in which a manager motivates his men to give their best to the Organisation. It means to encourage people to take more interest and initiative in the work assigned. Organisations prosper when the employees are motivated through special efforts including provision of facilities and incentives. Motivation is actually inspiring and encouraging people to work more and contribute more to achieve organisational objectives. It is a psychological process of great significance.

viii.          Communicating:

Communication (written or oral) is necessary for the exchange of facts, opinions, ideas and information between individual’s and departments. In an organisation, communication is useful for giving information, guidance and instructions. Managers should be good communicators. They have to use major portion of their time on communication in order to direct, motivate and co-ordinate activities of their subordinates. People think and act collectively through communication. According to Louis Allen, "Communication involves a systematic and continuing process of telling, listening and understanding".

Hence , managerial function may not happen in above mentioned sequence .Depending on the situation and nature of the problem , they may perform these functions different sequence .Regardless of the order in which they are performed , the fact is that managers do plan , organize ,lead, and control as they manage.