Answer to Question #147893 in Management for Wajahat ali

Question

Define and explain managerial function and how do they interconnect with each other?

Answer 1

Managerial function

Decades ago, Henry Fayol set a foundation for the modern management theories. He applied scientific methods in innovating solutions that solved the problem of management (Rahman, 2012). Over the years, other researchers have built on the core principles he developed to further develop managerial theories and functions. Some of the core principles he developed include, decentralization, having a unity of direction and command, teamwork corporation and having non- financial incentives (Fayol, 1949). Based on these principles, researchers were able to develop five basic elements of managerial functions. Therefore, managerial function refers to the role of management based on the tasks a manager performs.

The five managerial functions include; planning ahead, organizing, controlling, commanding and teamwork coordination (Rahman et al, 2012). It is necessary for a manager to incorporate all these skills when carrying out their managerial duty. These means that these functions are related and work as a whole rather than independent entities. For instance, controlling or commanding is the same as leading which means that the manager employs leadership skills such as organizing, planning ahead and teamwork coordination in their managerial functions.

Besides, a manager is expected to be a planner. This means that the manager is expected to plan ahead by innovating plans that will help an organization meet its intended objectives and goals (American Intercontinental University, 2020). Planning ahead corresponds with organizing, thus for a manager to effectively plan ahead, the manager has to be organized. This includes organizing for the allocation of resources and specific tasks for employees and setting clear and realistic deadlines. The manager should also ensure that operations and processes in the company run smoothly. Moreover, planning and organizing also include, readjusting schedules to meet specific challenges and ensuring all employees are performing the tasks that were allocated to them.

Also, a good manager is one that encourages teamwork and coordination.  Managers should be able to motivate their team members towards working together on tasks and coming together to form solutions whenever challenges arise. Thereby, the manager should have commanding skills such as clear communication between the manager and his or her employees, being competent in their job thus employees can rely on them and being ambassadors and be able to effectively deal with confrontations. Through these skills, the manager will be able to effectively coordinate, control and command his or her employees.

In conclusion, managerial function is a key aspect in management. This is because they improve the efficiency of the manager and job satisfaction of employees. However, for this to happen, a manager must encompass the five elements of managing which include, commanding, planning, coordination, controlling and organizing. These skills work hand in hand in helping managers accomplish their duty. Therefore, the relationship between the various management functions is that, managerial functions complement each other.

References

American Intercontinental University. (2020). Retrieved from;

https://www.aiuniv.edu/degrees/business/articles/functions-of-management#:~:text=Originally%20identified%20by%20Henri%20Fayol,each%20may%20look%20in%20action.

Fayol, H. (1949), General and Industrial Management, Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, London (translated by Constance Storrs)

Rahman, M. H. (2012). Henry Fayol and Frederick Winslow Taylor’s contribution to management thought: An overview. ABC Journal of Advanced Research, 1(2), 94-103.