The Functions of Management

The Functions of Management

Author

Institution

Introduction

The management of any business entity comes as one of its fundamental pillars. It has a bearing on the sustainability of the business entity both in the short-term and the long-term as it charts the policies and roadmaps that would be used in achieving the goals and objectives stated in the mission statement of the business entity. Every business entity, irrespective of its size has established and implemented its own concepts of management that would allow it to operate smoothly as well as achieve its objectives. In essence, the functions of the management allow it to handle the operations, tactical and strategic decisions in the business entity. The management has four functions.

One of the key functions of management is planning, an ongoing process in which the management undertakes an analysis of the external and internal factors that have an impact on the company and its objectives and goals. The management would assess the current position of the healthcare institution and its goals, after which it would determine and implement the best course of action for the attainment of the company’s objectives and goals. However, planning may be constrained by the lack of sufficient information and data pertaining to the course of action, resources necessary and the time to be taken. This may be solved through comprehensive research and discussions with all stakeholders to ensure all factors are considered.

In addition, nurse managers undertake the organization of its resources to allow for the implementation of the course of action established in the planning process. In this case, they assess the divisions, staff and departments in the company and determine the most appropriate way of handling the necessary tasks. This function, however, is constrained by the bureaucracies in the organization, especially with regard to the allocation of resources. A reexamination of the institution’s hierarchies and the constituent division of labor would be imperative so as to ensure that no unnecessary stages or divisions are incorporated. This would also eliminate the possibility of job duplication.

In addition, the management undertakes the staffing function. This involves discerning the healthcare institution’s needs and undertaking the recruitment, selection, training and development of employees. However, the staffing function is facing immense obstacle pertaining to the unavailability of qualified staff thanks to reduced appeal of medical careers. This may be resolved by liaising with the medical schools so as to handpick the students right at the initial stages of their careers..............