Functions Of Management Essay

Submitted By coleasice
Words: 1002
Pages: 5

“Functions of Management”

Taking on a management role in any organization is a great responsibility that requires focus and balanced decision making. Although managers within various organizations may practice innovative management strategies to accomplish the above, the basic functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling are still employed to maximize the use of resources, time and people. While companies may introduce new approaches as time goes on, these principles transcend time and are still relevant in present as they will be in the future. In examining how the different management functions relate to my organization, I hope to gain a better understanding of management and how I can become an efficient and effective manager. Planning and organizing are the first steps a manager should take to accomplish a task. In the planning function “analyzing current situations, anticipating the future, determining objectives, and determining the resources needed to achieve the organization’s goals” (Bateman & Snell, 2007) are important elements to get a project started. Without planning, there is no direction. Essentially, it is a map created to plot the most efficient route to your final destination. Planning is imperative at Texas Video & Post where I work. Once a business contacts the company to create a commercial or video, we have to find out particulars such as: the project deadline, production and post production requirements and budget restrictions. When all this information is compiled, then a bid is submitted to the client that breaks down costs and includes a timeline to accomplish the goal. After the planning is complete, then we can begin coordinating the resources needed, or organizing, to complete the project. In the organization stage, distributing responsibilities and determining the needed resources are vital steps. In the video and film production business, this means allocating jobs to editors and graphic artists and designers, based on the specifications of the deliverable. For example, if a client wants a high definition commercial instead of standard digital, then the in-house producer overseeing the project will acquire an editor whose suite has high definition capabilities. Planning and organizing are instrumental stages at Texas Video & Post. Without these functions, a vital need for a video or commercial shoot may be overlooked. In these two stages, to ensure a successful outcome, the General Manager or Production Coordinator may need to call on other staff for guidance to make sure all elements and equipment needed are present, when needed. Leading is another good management function that produces great results. In leading, a manager must be able to motivate people to become excellent achievers. Having close contact with employees on a daily bases and encouraging open communication is a necessary part of leading. This helps the staff to feel that their input and time are valued, and that they are not alone in solving problems that may arise. I see these qualities in the President of TV&P. He always makes himself available to handle problems and employees are comfortable with him because he promotes open communication and accepts suggestions from his staff. “If you destroy the lines of communication sometimes you miss out on some awfully good input into how to run your business better” (Sankey, 2007). Jack’s leadership is apparent because he works closely with the editors, graphic designers and administrative personnel constantly, and not only when the situation is beneficial to him. The last management function, controlling, is a method managers use to monitor progress of their implemented plans and make modifications when needed. Controlling allows managers to make sure the result of a project harmonizes with the goal of the deliverable. In this function, managers also update technologies as needed for the good of the company.