Management Function - Influencing

THE ESSENCE OF MANAGEMENT - INFLUENCING

To understand the functions of management, you must first examine what management is about. How do you define management?

Management is a process with a social element. It requires the efficient use of resources combined with the guidance of people in order to reach a specific organizational objective. It involves responsibility to achieve the objectives and to fulfill specific organizational purposes through economical and effective planning and regulation. It’s about taking charge and ensuring focus is placed on the things and aspects of the business that help achieve the vision and the goals.

(source: Google Images)

Three key characteristics define the process of management.

• First, management is a process of continuing and related activities. Each of the functions is related to each other and the functions complement each other. It is hard to consider the functions in isolation, as management requires each activity to complement one another. When you as a manager engage in one function, you in effect also start the process of another function.
• The second core characteristic of management is about it involving and concentrating on organizational goals. Management is largely focused on achieving the key mission of the organization, its vision. Whilst there are detailed objectives it might focus on, management is mainly interested in identifying the wider organizational goals and using the different functions in order to achieve the objectives. Each function takes the organization closer to achieving its vision.
• Finally, management achieves the organizational goals by working with people and organization resources. You might use different financial resources or physical equipment as part of the process, while also directing and guiding the staff towards the objectives. The manager is in charge of supporting the people and connecting the right person with the right resources.
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In essence, management is about a dynamic process, with a number of elements and activities as part of the process. The dynamic and social element of management mean the functions of management are separate from operational functions. Whilst operational functions refer to activities and processes such as marketing, finances and purchases, the management functions differ depending on the organizational level at which they take place.

(source: https://www.cleverism.com/functions-of-management-planning-organizing-staffing/)

INFLUENCING:

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Influencing is also referred to as motivating,leading or directing.Influencing can be defined as guiding the activities of organization members in he direction that helps the organization move towards the fulfillment of the goals.

The purpose of influencing is to increase productivity. Human-oriented work situations usually generate higher levels of production over the long term than do task oriented work situations because people find the latter type distasteful.

(SOURCE: https://managementinnovations.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/define-management-its-functions/)

By studying the above, you have hopefully identified the areas you need to develop and gain more knowledge. While your management style might differ from someone else’s style, the above functions will be necessary in order for you to do a good job as a manager. Since management is a crucial part of any organization, emphasis and proper understanding of the above functions will boost the company’s operational efficiency and therefore, its chances of success.

Source : Google Images