What Are the 4 Functions of Management? | Wrike (2024)

How does an organization move the needle toward achieving its goals? Who’s in charge of steering employees in the right direction as they pursue those objectives?

Here’s the answer: management.

Yes, leaders and supervisors are the ones who not only set the finish line but also support their teams in crossing it. To do so, managers need to fulfill core responsibilities known as the four functions of management.

Introducing the four functions of management

Think of the four basic functions of management as the four core responsibilities every leader needs to fulfill.

They were initially identified as five functions by Henri Fayol in the early 1900s. Over the years, Fayol’s functions were combined and reduced to the following four main functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

No matter which industry you work in, the functions of management are consistent and applicable across all sectors.

Below, we’ll give some clarity and define four functions of management. But first, it’s important to understand that each function isn’t exclusive. Instead, each one builds upon the function before it — when they’re all in place, the most effective management happens.

Try Wrike for free

Planning

Managers first need to develop a detailed action plan. In the planning phase, management should identify the goals and create a reasonable course of action to attain them. There may be multiple ways to achieve the goal, but it’s management’s responsibility to determine the best course of action.

Drafting a successful plan includes aligning the goal with the organizational vision, considering factors that may impact the project internally and externally, and establishing a realistic timeline while being mindful of resource and budgetary constraints.

Three different types of planning in management include:

  • Strategic: A long-term, high-level type of foundational planning that emphasizes the mission, values, and vision of the organization. Upper management drafts its strategic plans, and all managers should refer back to the strategic plans to guide their decisions.
  • Tactical: A short-term (one year or less), objective-focused type of planning, often carried out by middle management.
  • Operational: A plan that describes the daily roadmap of the activities within the company. Low-level managers and supervisors devise operational strategies in most cases.

Organizing

The organizing function consists of taking the previously created plan and putting it into action. Key activities in this function include:

  • Identifying all of the necessary steps of the project
  • Determining who will complete the actions and deploying those resources to work
  • Establishing levels of authority and responsibility for every individual involved

Organizing facilitates a clear development of the organizational structure for executing the plan, but it also encourages collaboration among team members spread amongst various teams and departments. When the Project Management Institute (PMI) cites poor communication as one of the leading causes of project failure, it’s evident that ensuring effective collaboration amongst team members plays an influential role in driving a project’s success.

Leading

With the first two functions of management underway, managers should then shift their attention to the people.

The leading stage consists of motivating and influencing employees to do the work and meet performance standards. Keep in mind that effective leadership extends beyond delegating and directing employees what to do.

Examples of effective leadership skills that managers can focus on include frequent and clear communication, expressing empathy, being an active listener, maintaining transparency, and empowering the team to perform to the best of their ability. Utilizing interpersonal skills and different leadership styles for different situations is crucial for managers to tap into while leading their employees.

Controlling

The controlling function consists of monitoring performance and progress through project execution and making adjustments as needed. Managers should ensure that employees meet deadlines while simultaneously balancing synchronicity amongst the project’s resources and the overall budget. Managers may need to take corrective actions and be proactive in their approach to ensure that team members meet their assigned deadlines.

Two key areas where managers may need to make adjustments include staffing and budget. For example, let’s say an assigned leader working on a project leaves the company. The manager will need to identify a replacement as soon as possible, train them efficiently, and, hopefully, keep the project running smoothly.

From a budget perspective, managers should monitor spend closely. Suppose a project starts to run over budget — in that case, the manager should identify what’s causing the overspend. If that expense is justified, they should proactively ask for additional funding or curb spending to be more mindful of the budget in other areas.

Tips for applying the four functions of management

Applying the four functions of management may seem challenging at first, but with the right resources and knowledge, managers can carry out all duties successfully.

Feeling intimidated? Don’t be. Here are a few quick tips for getting started:

  • Set yourself up for success at the start and document your plan using a project management platform like Wrike.
  • Identify how your team may work best together during the organizing stage, such as through an Agile work environment.
  • Implement processes for recognizing employees for a job well done at the start of the project, and ensure you acknowledge and celebrate them accordingly.

Keep in mind that leadership is a learning process — whether you’re brand new or well-established. As you manage a team or project, you’ll uncover different areas where you can improve and grow.

Become a successful manager using the four functions of management

Management isn’t an easy gig, and there isn’t a tried-and-true approach that works for everybody. However, every manager fulfills the same core responsibilities, known as the four functions of management.

When a manager checks the box of each of those major functions, they’re well-equipped to lead projects, teams, departments, or even entire companies to their objectives.

Want to boost your management abilities and keep your team and project on track? Sign up for a free trial of Wrike and start planning today.

More resources for managers and team leaders

  • Blog:How to Show Leadership in Project Management During Times of Crisis
  • eBook:It’s Not Me, It’s You: Why Managers Need to Break Up With Email and Spreadsheets
  • Blog:How to Develop the Essential Skills to Be a Project Manager
  • Blog:5 Top Tips for Leading Marketing Teams in Virtual Environments
  • Blog:How Leading CMOs Create a Culture of Excellence
What Are the 4 Functions of Management? | Wrike (2024)

FAQs

What Are the 4 Functions of Management? | Wrike? ›

Originally identified by Henri Fayol as five elements, there are now four commonly accepted functions of management that encompass these necessary skills: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. 1 Consider what each of these functions entails, as well as how each may look in action.

What are 4 basic management functions? ›

They were initially identified as five functions by Henri Fayol in the early 1900s. Over the years, Fayol's functions were combined and reduced to the following four main functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

What are the 4 principles of management? ›

The principles of management can be distilled down to four critical functions. These functions are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. This P-O-L-C framework provides useful guidance into what the ideal job of a manager should look like.

What are the 4 kinds of managers and their function? ›

What Are the Different Types of Managers? The four most common types of managers are top-level managers, middle managers, first-line managers, and team leaders. These roles vary not only in their day-to-day responsibilities, but also in their broader function in the organization and the types of employees they manage.

What are the 4 pieces of management? ›

The 4 Ps of management. They are: Planning, Priority, Perspective and Patience. These four guidelines if followed can be beneficial for any organization or an individual, as it not only gives them a holistic perspective but also prepares them to face the worse possible situations.

What are the four functions of a business? ›

They are human resources, finance, marketing, sales, and strategy. These are universal functions, which means that they are necessary for the success of any business.

What are the 4 keys of management? ›

The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Successful managers must do all four while managing their work and team. These are foundational to any professional managerial position. Plus, there are other skills and specialized knowledge related specifically to the job you manage.

What are the 4 essentials of management? ›

The history of management, managerial decision making as well as business strategy are covered in addition to an in depth exploration of the planning, organizing, leading and controlling roles of the contemporary manager. This text was written with simplicity in mind, and a hyper-focus on the four functions.

What is the 4 basic management style? ›

The four leadership styles managers use are autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, and paternalistic, and each will be most effective depending on particular situations.

What are the 4 levels of management pyramid? ›

Most organizations, however, still have four basic levels of management: top, middle, first line, and team leaders.

What are the primary functions of management? ›

It is the responsibility of management to see that essential activities are done efficiently (in the best possible way) and effectively (doing the right thing). The management process consists of four primary functions that managers must perform: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

What are the 4 basic management functions? ›

Originally identified by Henri Fayol as five elements, there are now four commonly accepted functions of management that encompass these necessary skills: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. 1 Consider what each of these functions entails, as well as how each may look in action.

Which among the 4 types of management is effective? ›

Democratic (Participative Management Style)

This is a consultative management approach, which is generally considered one of the most effective management styles.

What are the four main functions of management in a PDF? ›

The 4 functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. A manager must organize these functions to reach company goals and maintain a competitive advantage.

What are the four basic functions of management quizlet? ›

What are the four functions of management? Planning, leading, organizing, and controlling.

What are the four functions of management in the 21st century? ›

Effective management is a cornerstone of organizational success. By understanding and implementing the four functions of management – the planning function, the organizing function, the leading function, and the controlling function – a manager can steer an organization toward achievement.

What are the 4 functions of management SlideShare? ›

Controlling monitors performance to ensure plans are followed. Management involves four main functions: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to accomplish organizational goals. These functions are interrelated and how they are carried out must change to adapt to new paradigms in management.

Top Articles
Speaking of the nose: the unexpected role of sniffing during conversations | Donders Wonders
Why Scandinavian Countries Are The Happiest - Alliance Visas
Ou Football Brainiacs
Harry Potter: Magical Portraits, Explained
Sso.prodigy
AccuWeather APIs | Frequently Asked Questions
How To Apply For A Merrick Bank Credit Card
Strength Of The Unseen Gw2
Veterans Tribute Career & Technical Academy Reviews
Towson Transcript
Wal-Mart 2516 Directory
Pennys Department Store Near Me
Complaints about 563-214-#### | ReportedCalls
Craigs List Tallahassee
Plex Media Server Requirements
Marla Raderman 1985
‘Mom is sleeping,’ victim’s child said at Long Branch murder scene, witness testifies
Zelaya's Bakery Menu
Evo Unblocked
Tethrd Coupon Code The Hunting Public
The Equalizer 3 - The Final Chapter
F9 2385
Duncan & Duncan Robotics Keycard
Whisk Recipe Calculator
hdmovie2.bar - hdmovie2 Resources and Information.
Steve Jobs' 4 Kids: All About Reed, Lisa, Erin and Eve
This Modern World Daily Kos
Heather Mestdagh Obituary
Tamilblasters.click
Kfc Menu Open Now
Ofertas | Mercadolibre México
Makedonska Kursna Lista
Boost Mobile 69Th Ashland
Margie's Money Saver Hey Dudes
Craigslist In Visalia California
The Craigslist Killer - Filmkritik - Film - TV SPIELFILM
Merging Rooms Fallout Shelter
Paul Mccombs Nashville Tn
6 30 Pm Cdt
Lahabraschools
Kiriko Cute Spray Bugged
Transcriptiedienst (Amberscript)
Fgo Spirit Root
1,000+ Waitress jobs in New York
Tamusso
Costco Members: Any Set of 4 Michelin Tires $200 Off $900+
Miko Grimes Basketball Stats
Salary Calculator UK - Salary After Tax
Livingston Parish Detention Center, LA Inmate Search: Roster & Mugshots
Nwmh Mychart
Trinidad And Tobago Passport Renewal In Usa
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 6018

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.