A manager's primary challenge is to solve problems creatively.
The P-O-L-C Framework:
While drawing from a variety of academic disciplines, and to help managers respond to the challenge of creative problem solving, principles of management have long been categorized into the four major functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (the P-O-L-C framework)
PLANNING
Planning is the function of management that involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives.
- Planners must be aware of the critical contingencies facing their organization in terms of economic conditions, their competitors, and their customers.
- Planners must attempt to forecast the future.
- Planners must establish objectives, which are statements of what needs to be achieved and when.
- Planners must be able to identify alternative courses of action for achieving objectives
- After evaluating the various alternatives, planners must make decisions about the best course of action for achieving objectives
- They must formulate the necessary steps and ensure the effective implantation of plans.
- Finally, planners must constantly evaluate the success of their plans and take corrective action when necessary.
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ORGANIZING
Organizing is the function of management that involves developing an organizational structure and allocating human resources to ensure the accomplishment of objectives.
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Key Points:
- Traditionally, job design was based on principles of division of labor and specialization, which assumed that the more narrow the job content, the more proficient the individual performing the job could become.
- Experience shows you can be too specialized and narrow with job design which leads to negative outcomes including decreased job satisfaction and organizational commitment, increased absenteeism, and turnover.
- Organizations now attempt to strike a balance between the need for worker specialization and the need for workers to have jobs that entail variety and autonomy so it leads to empowerment, job enrichment, and teamwork.
LEADING
Leading involves the social and informal sources of influence that inspires the action taken by others.
To become effective at leading, managers must first understand their subordinates' personalities, values, attitudes, and emotions.
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CONTROLLING
Controlling involves ensuring that performance does not deviate from standards.
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