Managerial Functions

The functions which describe managerial job, when put together, make up the management
process. This process is analyzed into key functions of management viz., planning,
organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Planning, organizing and controlling which
deal mostly with non-human aspects are known as mechanics of management, whereas
staffing and direction which are primarily concerned with human aspects constitute dynamics
of management. In the conceptual scheme, though the functions are listed out in a sequence, I
practice they are interlocked as a system. As all functions are not equally important for all
managers, time spent by them for each of these functions varies according to their levels in
the organization. These functions has been discussed below:

1. Planning: Planning refers to anticipate the opportunity, problems and conditions and
choosing from among the alternative future courses of action. The planning process
generally includes the following activities.
1. Forecasting is looking ahead to anticipate the opportunity, problems and
conditions in a future period of time.
2. Establishing objectives means setting the end results to be accomplished by
directing organizational efforts.
3. Programming is establishing sequence and priority of actions to be followed
in the attainment of the objectives.
4. Scheduling is deciding on time sequence for program steps.
5. Budgeting is allocation of resources to minimize costs.
6. Establishing procedures means developing and applying standardized
methods of performing a specific work.
7. Developing policies involve establishment and interpretation of standing
decisions that apply to repetitive questions and problems of significance to be
organization as a whole.

1. Organizing function: The organizing function of management is the process of

defining and grouping of activities and creating authority relationship among them. It
consists of
1. Developing the organization structure which involves identification of task
and grouping them into units or departments for performance.
2. Delegating authority to the managers and making him responsible for group
performance.
3. Establishing relations creating conditions necessary for mutually fooperative
efforts of people in the organization.
2. Staffing: Planning the organization with suitable personnel constitutes the staffing
function. It involves selection, training and development, compensation, and appraisal
of subordinates by the manager. Manpower planning and manpower management
looks after these activities and try to ensure suitable methods of remuneration and
performance appraisal of the employees.
3. Directing Function: involves managing people and the work through the means of
motivation, proper leadership, effective communication and coordination. A manager
must develop ability to command. He should issue orders and instructions without
arousing any resentment among the subordinates. He must be able to secure willing
obedience from his subordinates without destroying their initiative and creativity.
 Moreover, it requires a sound communication system to enable exchange of ideas and
information for common understanding.
4. Controlling Function: enables management to ensure that achievement is in
accordance with the established plans it involves:
1. Establishing performance standards for evaluating results.
2. Performance on the basis of records and reports on the progress of work.
3. Performance evaluation against the standards set.
4. Corrective action to regulate operations, remove deficiencies and improve
performance