3 Basic Management Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic management functions, elements of planning, values, organizing, coordinating, and controlling from Chapter 3.

Planning

Determining in advance what should be accomplished and how.

Organizing

Arranging resources and relationships to carry out a plan.

Unity of Command

The principle that each employee is directly accountable to only one supervisor for each task that must be done.

Span of Control

The number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise.

Coordinating

Synchronizing activities and people so they function smoothly with each other.

Controlling

Following up and correcting deviations from the plan in a constantly changing environment.

Proactive Planning

Anticipating problems before they occur rather than simply reacting once a crisis has already begun.

Vision Statement

An organizational-level statement that deals with long-term purpose, alignment, and aspirations.

Mission Statement

A statement proclaiming the purpose of an organization or department, outlining why it exists.

Goals

Specific ends or conclusions to be reached within an organization's planning process.

Objectives

Specific and measurable milestones to be passed on the journey toward reaching a goal.

Action Plans

Plans that identify a problem or need, obtain and analyze data, determine the best action, carry out the plan, monitor progress, and make adjustments.

Corporate Values

Statements expressing what employers regard as evidence of loyalty, expected behavior, or ethical practice in day-to-day activities.

Personal Values

An individual's beliefs regarding what is important at work, such as challenges, tasks, recognition, creativity, and authority.

Authority

Formal power possessed by an individual in the hierarchy that is delegated down to the point where it is to be applied.

Staffing

The process beginning with HR planning, recruitment, selection, and orientation, and continuing through training, performance appraisal, and career moves.

Assigned Tasks

Activities described in position descriptions ordinarily performed by employees, where uncompleted tasks fall back on the supervisor.

Operational Plans

A category of business plans focused on day-to-day processes and quality control.

Financial Plans

A category of plans centered primarily around budgeting.