Elements of Management

Elements of Management:

Management is an important concept in business studies. It is defined as the process of doing things and achieving the desired goals through the input of other people and oneself.

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Elements of management refers to those necessities that are required to achieve the stipulated managerial goals. You can think of managerial goals as the business motive of an organization.

If properly implemented, the various elements of management (in steps) will indeed help any organization to achieve its goals.

These important elements of management include the following:

1. Planning

Planning is the first phase of any managerial process. During the process of planning, the following questions are pondered upon:

• What should be done?

• How should it be done?

• When should it be done?

• Where should it be done?

• Who are required to get the job done?

If an appropriate answer can be given to each of the question (above), then it implies that the management comprehends the manner through which they will interprete their priorities or vision towards the goals of their organization.

Note: Without proper planning, an organization may go bankrupt.

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2. Staffing

Staffing simply refers to a process of acquiring the needed manpower for a job. In this regard, recruiting, selection and monitoring are all carried out on those that will be eventually staffed for the job.

When one is a ratified (or confirmed) as a staff of an organization, it implies that such individual had successfully scaled through the recruitment, selection and monitoring phases in accordance with the standards of the organization.

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3. Organizing

Organizing as an element of management requires the rearrangement and harmonious adjustment of all activities in the organization.

Through the organizing process, the different sections required to effect the company's goal becomes well defined.

An instance of 'organizing' is seen in a footballing team where different positions in the team (which includes the goalkeeper, center back, left back, defensive midfielder, attacking wingers, central forward and so on) work harmoniously (or in unity) to achieve victory in a football competition, for example, world cup.

In the above instance, it is the duty of the coach and technical department to organize the players towards achieving their goals.

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4. Directing

Directing is a continuous process that involves the supervision, regulation and inspiration of all members in an organization. Meanwhile, always understand that vital decisions will be made and executed during directing.

An instance of directing is seen during a football match. At halftime (in the game of football), the coach is expected to direct his players on how to go about the second half of the game. He may even make substitution(s) if need be.

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5. Coordination

Coordination is the managerial process that lubricates all other managerial elements so that the best result can be achieved.

It is the responsibility of the coordinator to coordinate (control and supervise) all the work done. In order to achieve the desired goal, the coordinator does not have to be too aggressive on the other team members. Rather he or she should rally them together in duty of purpose.

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As a coordinator, one is expected to oversee all the departments (usually through their leaders). In this case the coordinator get reports and feedbacks from the head of these departments.

6. Control

This element of management keeps all systems in check, making sure all is in order.

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One who controls an organization is expected to have all necessary information from the relevant departments, in addition to guiding them on the appropriate processes to follow.

7. Reporting

Reports can be given by the staff to the management through a variety of ways. These include:

• Directly to them

• Through the phone

• Through electronic mails (e-mail)

• Use of social media and so on.

However, always understand that the process of reporting presents a link between the superiors and their subordinates. An instance of reporting is seen in schools when teachers submit their lesson notes and examination questions to the appropriate departmental head.

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8. Budgeting

The act of budgeting controls the future of the business. For this reason, it is often linked to planning.

During budgeting, monetary allocations are made to various sections of the business. For instance, budgets may be allocated to the followings in a production factory:

• Purchase of raw materials

• Purchase of machines and other technologies

• Payment of staff salaries

• Expenses on petrol and lubricant for the transport system

• Advertisment and marketing

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9. Motivation

Motivation as an element of management refers to the act of encouraging and inspiring the staff (and organizational teams) to always give in their best in the course of doing their jobs.

Motivation is a powerful tool utilized in management to maximize output from workers, teams and members of staff.

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There are various ways to motivate staff. One of such is by giving extra allowances to those who are deserving.