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In any organizations there are some functions, which every manager has to perform. These functions are integral part of any management process. If a person wishes to apply the process of management to any activity, he or she will have to perform these functions.
- Decision Making: It is an integral part of any management process. A manager has to take series of decisions from the very beginning till the end of the process or till the time the goals are achieved, Decision-making is also called as the crux of management. Each role or every other function involves decision-making. As a manager gains higher position in the organisation, the other roles and functions are replaced by the decision making function.
- Planning: Planning is a process of pre-determining the course of action. It involves selecting the best course of action in advance. Every manager has to decide well in advance what is to be done, how and by whom. This is done by setting goals and directing efforts and allocating resources for the achievement of pre-determined goals. Planning is also said to bridge the gap between, where we are and where we want to be and this is a major function of a manager of every activity.
- Organising: This function of a manager involves classifying the activities listed in the plan and delegating them to the people -who would best be able to do them. The manager has to identify the appropriate human resources and allocate tasks to them. This function implements the planning that had been done earlier. Success of any plan depends upon how well it is organised and executed. In this function a manager distributes not only responsibilities but also suitable authority as well to the subordinate or family member to carry out the tasks in the best possible manner. In a way, the manager sets up a team where each one has a specific work and a specific role to play. This team organisation ensures easy, smooth and continues flow of information 'and work together towards the desired goal.
- Delegation and Guidance: In any organisation a manager has to delegate responsibility for doing various tasks and necessary authority to enable them to successfully execute these assigned duties. Delegation requires an in-depth understanding of capabilities, strengths and shortcomings of a person, chosen for a task. After selecting a person for carrying out a particular task, a manager will have to guide or direct that person to complete that task. This includes giving clear instructions and stating as clearly as possible, the expected outcome. While guiding a person to do a task, the focus is not only on the necessary work outcome but also on the personal development of the person carrying out that task.
- Leading: In this function, a manager has to gain co-operation of the subordinate and the family members and motivate them towards the goals. To lead, a manager must first understand the attitudes, philosophy, values and behaviour of each member of the organisation or a family. Then she will influence them to shape a desirable social system within the organisation or the family. The manager has to do this by guiding them and motivating them to improve their organisational effectiveness. The manager is also responsible for creating favourable environment for performance. While doing so she will establish relationship between self and subordinate and family members. An effective and efficient leader will be a successful manager as well.
- Controlling: Controlling is correcting deviations on time. This function of a manager involves identification of problems and discrepancies from the plan of action and taking measures on time to correct them. It involves measuring performance against pre-set goals. An effective manager builds control standards while planning and clearly states them to the subordinate or family members. This also acts as guidelines for subordinate or family members and acts as an appraisal system for the manager. The control function is the most effective way of cutting costs and losses incurred by errors. Thus every manager uses certain control devices like budgeting, inspections, record keeping and maintaining attendance etc, while performing the control function. Control is essential since the activities are pre-planned, and the activities are to be performed according to the plan
Though all managers perform these functions, they can be differentiated by the way they perform these functions. Let us now have a look at the various types of managers found in the organizations.
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