Functions of Management

Management is the process of getting things done, effectively and efficiently, through and with other people (Robbins, DeCenzo & Coulter, 2015). The functions of a manager are defined primarily as planning, organizing, leading and controlling. This paper will discuss these functions, their importance and benefits.

There are seven functions of management that I will like to discuss below; each functions are inseparable because each one depend on the other. These management functions are:

The purpose of this assignment is to identify and explain the four functions of management to create perspectives on the problem(s) in the case study provided. Each function will hopefully provide a clear solution to the problem(s). Along with the four functions of management, the stakeholders who were affected by the problem(s) in the case study will be identified.

Managers are integral to the success of an organization because they are responsible for using both human and other resources to achieve goals effectively and efficiently. (Satterlee, 2013). This paper combines the three concepts that Group 4 have considered most important. It primarily highlights the four functions of management; planning, leading, organizing, and controlling. Secondly, it discusses the characteristics of a successful manager. Finally, relates the necessary skills for a competent manager; technical skills, human skills, and conceptual skills.

The five functions of management are imperative in any business especially mine where we use computer technologies as our main source of profit. My company is a contract based company that provides technical support to a variety of customers through a cloud system to replace any IT information needed. In a business such as mine, the practices of planning, leading, organizing, staffing and controlling are all equally important. Each function has its own place and use in both a conjunction with other practices or on its own. In this paper, I will go into depth on how each practice is used either by me or by my other co-workers that make up our team.

The four functions of a manager are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. These are key elements that managers must understand to run a successful organization. I will view each concept as well as their roles to acknowledge how these functions have been related to my personal experience in the work environment. Behind the scenes of a manager, they spend an equal amount of time planning so that he or she can successfully achieve the leading and controlling functions. These functions are standard for any industry that is striving to maintain a strong organization. While reviewing this paper, try to think of the four functions as a method that is established to build on each other. The four functions must be performed efficiently, and when done correctly, an organization will reap the accomplishments from a well-defined plan. My own experiences of how the four functions operate illustrates that each role requires a manager to devote time and patience in order to ensure that the main principles are achieved.

Yet now, some say that the past is what troubles the automotive giant. In an interview with a former General Motors executive, GM 's sheer size as well as the sense of complacency developed after years of success was cited as the chief challenges GM would have to overcome (Interview, 2004). In a sense GM has been derailed, the strengths that once made it successful are the same forces that have led to its current flaws. (McCall, 1998) Thus, Wagoner is proposing to go against GM 's years of tradition and "Challenge the process." This is not the only step in the CIEME model that Wagoner has acted on. (Kouzes & Posner, 1995) He has already "Modeled the way" by cutting GM inefficiencies so that the company now competes directly against the streamlined Japanese automotives. Part of this streamlining includes Enabling the correct management to act. Furthermore, our interviewee attested to the fact that all GM employees were Inspired to share a number of Wagoner 's visions for the company. The remaining question is whether or not Wagoner will be able to Encourage the heart of General Motors.

Management comes with countless responsibilities in order for the business to run smoothly and successfully. In order to achieve the goals of the company as well as the managers own goals, it is essential to keep employees motivated, keep the customer satisfied, and increase profits. “Management is defined as the process of administering and coordinating resources effectively, efficiently, and in an effort to achieve the goals of the organization.” (Lewis, 5).

General Motors is primarily engaged in automotive production and marketing and financing and insurance operations. GM designs, manufactures, and markets vehicles worldwide, have its largest operating presence in North America. The core competence of General Motors is innovation. This is the driving force behind its $190 above turnover. General Motors has been utilizing innovation in service ad technology to secure itself a dominant position in the automobile industry, since 1908.

Starting from 1990, GM became industry’s biggest money loser in the U.S. market by tracking out of the road it always had been and forgetting how it became and protected its leadership for over 60 years. Top management moved slowly by taking important decisions, lost control over the divisions and did not stop the production of the dogs on time. GM also lost touch with its customers and dealerships, so, the well-respected brand name became a dog

This research paper presents some recommendations and a related action plan to address the strategic changes which are deemed crucial to the survival of General Motors (GM). An overview of the contemporary situation at the corporation is provided in this section of the paper, which is then followed by specific recommendations and a strategic plan of action to bring about the changes which are necessary for the company’s survival in these turbulent times.

General Motors can trace it’s begins to 1908 the world largest automaker employing over 200K people in 157 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM 's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. (About GM: General Motors Company, Company Profile , 2010) In this paper I will provide an analysis about General Motors (G.M.’s) strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (S.W.O.T) and a brief history.

Controlling is an ongoing process when management continually gather information, compare present performance, determine improvement required to achieve organizational goals.

Henri Fayol was one of the most influential contributors to modern concepts of management. His career began as a mining engineer, later moving into research geology for Comambault. The company was struggling however, Fayol turned the operation round. Upon retiring he published his works – a comprehensive theory of administration.

In an organization, manager is “someone who coordinates and oversees the work of other people so that organizational goals can be accomplished.”(Robbins, Bergman, Stagg & Coulter, 2012, p.10) Managers play an important role as the organization requires their skills to overcome the challenges in chaotic times. Besides, manager is vital to make sure all the work activities operate smoothly and thus achieve the goals efficiency and effectively. There is said to be three specific categorization schemes which are functions, roles and skills to describe what managers exactly needed to do at each level of management.