Management functions, what they are, their origin - GovtVacancy.Net

Management functions, what they are, their origin - GovtVacancy.Net
Posted on 29-10-2022

Management functions, what they are, their origin

The functions of management constitute the fundamental basis of the exercise of management. We explain below what they are, what they are, their main characteristics, and their origin. Let's go!

What are the functions of management?

The functions of the management are the activities that must be executed to achieve the organizational objectives effectively and efficiently. In this sense, effectiveness means achieving the established goals. Efficiency consists of achieving these goals in such a way that the available resources are optimized. That is to say, the functions of the management executed correctly guide the company towards its destiny following the shortest and fastest way.

Just like businesses and organizations do, applying administrative functions to personal life produces positive results. When they are adapted to individual projects, they generate an order and a structure that facilitates the achievement of objectives.

The functions of the management

The most widespread management functions are planning, organization, direction, and control, but they are not the only ones. There are also references in the literature to others, including forecasting, integration, and coordination.

Here are the main features of each:

  • Forecast. Based on an analysis of external and internal factors, it projects possible future scenarios for the organization. Likewise, it establishes the general guidelines that will allow it to achieve the proposed objectives.
  • Planning. It points out the precise course to follow, detailing the necessary principles, guidelines, and procedures. In short, it is oriented to the future by making decisions in the present.
  • Organization. It has the resources and structures the functions, levels, and activities. Likewise, it assigns responsibilities and establishes channels of communication between people and groups.
  • Integration. Incorporates and combines the material and, especially, human resources necessary for the correct business activity. In addition, it offers adaptability conditions that allow the required adjustments according to the environmental conditions.
  • Coordination. It consists of the harmonization of individual and group efforts channeled into the achievement of general objectives.
  • Address. Its purpose lies in mobilizing the contribution of the members toward the achievement of organizational objectives based on leadership, motivation, and communication.
  • Control. Element of the administrative process that allows monitoring the performance and fulfillment of goals, in the same way, incorporates the implementation of the changes and adjustments that may take place.

Origin of management functions

Henri Fayol, one of the fathers of management, planted the seed in his book Industrial and General management (1916). Based on them he proposed his definition of management From him: "management is to anticipate, organize, command, coordinate and control." In addition, he pointed out each of these management functions:

  • To foresee is to scrutinize the future and draw up an action program;
  • To organize is to constitute the double organism, material and social of the company;
  • To command is to direct the staff;
  • To coordinate is to link, unite and harmonize all acts and all efforts;
  • To control is to monitor so that everything happens according to the established rules and the given orders.

Thank You.