A manager's primary challenge is to solve problems creatively. The four functions, summarized in the POLC figure, are actually highly integrated when carried out in the day-to-day realities of running an organization.
A. Planning
· Is the function of management that involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving the objectives
· Requires that managers be aware of environmental conditions facing their organization and forecast future conditions.
There are many different types of plans and planning.
1. Strategic planning
· Involves to realize a SWOT of the organization and the competitors for compete efficiently.
· Is often based on the organization's mission, which is its fundamental reason for existence.
2. Tactical planning
· Is intermediate-range (one to three years).
· Is designed to develop relatively concrete and specific means to implement the strategic plan.
3. Operational planning
· Generally assumes the existence of organization-wide or subunit goals and objectives and specifies ways to achieve them.
· Is designed to develop specific action steps that support the strategic and tactical plans.
B. Organizing
· Is the function of management that involves developing an organizational structure and allocating human resources to ensure the accomplishment objectives.
There are many different types of Organizing
1. The organizational structure
· Is usually represented by an organization chart, which provides a graphic representation of the chain of command within an organization.
· Also involves the design of individual jobs within the organization.
Decisions must be made about the duties and responsibilities of individual jobs, as well as the manner in which the duties should be carried out.
C. Leading
· Involves the social and informal sources of influence that you use to inspire action taken by others
· The lead must be the guide of other co-workers, to complete the objectives of the company.
If managers are effective leaders, their subordinates will be enthusiastic about exerting effort to attain organizational objectives
D. Controlling
· Involves ensuring that performance does not deviate from standards to complete the company goals.
· Consists of three steps:
I. Establishing performance standards
II. Comparing actual performance against standards
III. Taking corrective action when necessary.
· This function of management concerns the manager's role in taking necessary actions to ensure that the work-related activities of subordinates are consistent with and contributing toward the accomplishment of organizational and departmental objectives.
In conclusion, the management functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling are widely considered to be the best means of describing the manager's job, as well as the best way to classify accumulated knowledge about the study of management.