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Functions of Management

Exam code: 7115
Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

The main functions of management

The main functions of management

  • The responsibilities of managers are similar, no matter the organisation in which they work

    • In schools

      • Headteachers organise the school's overall curriculum and staffing

      • Heads of department manage teaching staff and subject course planning

      • Pastoral managers focus on pupil behaviour and reward systems

      • Site managers oversee the safety and maintenance of buildings and equipment

Manager roles

Image illustrating the role and functions of a manager, including planning, organising, commanding, coordinating, and controlling.
Managers roles commonly include planning, organising, commanding and controlling

1. Planning

  • Setting targets or aims for the organisation or department to achieve which provide a clear sense of purpose and direction

  • Managers also plan and budget for resources required to achieve targets

    • The number of people required

    • Finance and capital resources needed

2. Organising

  • Once targets have been set, managers should then organise resources including

    • Allocate tasks and delegate responsibility to employees 

    • Make changes to ways of working to improve efficiency

3. Commanding

  • Managers need to guide, lead and supervise employees in the tasks they do

    • Make sure staff meet deadlines and achieve individual or team targets

    • Provide feedback and direct staff to tasks 

4. Controlling

  • Evaluate the performance of employees and teams

  • Investigate reasons for missed targets and implement changes

  • Manage budgets and report to senior leaders

  • Ensure effective coordination between departments to achieve the organisation’s aims

5. Coordinating

  • Encourage groups of workers to communicate with each other and work towards the same goal

  • Ensure all of the required resources are available to ensure objectives are met

Delegation

Delegation

  • Delegation is where responsibility for specific tasks is given to subordinates by managers 

    • Delegation usually involves transferring authority from manager to subordinate

    • For example, the Human Resources Director of a large company delegates authority for recruitment and training to the HR Manager

The advantages of delegation

Advantages for managers

Advantages for workers

  • Allows managers to concentrate on important tasks

    • Managers do not have the time to do complete every task themselves

  • Helps managers to measure the performance of their staff, as they can judge how well subordinates carry out these tasks

  • Can help to reduce errors if managers delegate

  • Delegation allows workers to feel empowered in decision-making.

    • This can motivate, as staff are trusted to perform a job well

  • Provides a form of training as workers learn on the job, increasing job opportunities to progress within the organisation

  • Makes employees work more interesting and rewarding

  • Some managers are reluctant to delegate, as they lose some control over decision-making

    • Managers may need support to be able to balance trust and control to delegate appropriate tasks

    • Autocratic leaders may not be willing to give authority to others

    • Some managers may feel threatened by highly skilled subordinates seeking promotion

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