How to Learn the Five Functions of Management

culled from:wikihow.com

Management theories are wide ranging, but one of the principles most used in business schools and management training programs is the principle that there are Five Functions of Management. This concept was introduced by Henri Fayol in 1916. Almost 100 years later, several theories and business management principles have grown out of it and spun off from it, but the original model remains revered. Learn the five functions of management by familiarizing yourself with Fayol's theory and studying each function separately.

Method 1 of 3: Reading the 5 Functions of Management

1. 1
   Read the original book by Henri Fayol.
   • Find a translation of the 1916 classic, "Administration Industrielle et Generale" (General and Industrial Management) at your local bookstore, or online at sites such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
   2. 2
      Review an abbreviated version if you are not inclined to digest the entire book.
      • Check out the Cliff's Notes version of the business classic, or check out eNotes or SparkNotes online.
   3. 3
      Take notes on what you read. Whether you absorb material best by sketching outlines, making notes in the margins or highlighting key passages, make sure you do more than just read it. You want to remember what you learn.
   4. 4
      Read other works that support the original. There have been many books, articles and studies about the 5 Functions of Management.

   Method 2 of 3: Studying Each of the 5 Functions Of Management

   1. 1
      Understand the planning function. This is the first function of management.
      • Consider that managers must plan for the future, lay out strategic goals and present the necessary steps for achieving those goals. Planning includes evaluating risks and opportunities and shaping the future of any business or organization.
   2. 2
      Study the organizing function. This management function relates to how a manager hires and trains a workforce.
      • Contemplate the importance of efficiency and structure. A manager must recruit and train the right team members to ensure a highly skilled and well-trained workforce.
   3. 3
      Learn about the commanding function. Managers must be good leaders.
      • Understand that supervising and leading are two separate but equally important parts of the commanding function. A manager must inspire and communicate and maintain a consistent work environment and company vision.
   4. 4
      Study the coordinating function. This function helps to ensure the company is in harmony, and different teams are not at odds with one another.
      • Know that managers are responsible for making sure every activity of a business or organization complements all of the other activities, actions and missions.
   5. 5
      Study the controlling function of management. This function demonstrates that authority comes with responsibility.
      • Understand the importance of a manager keeping a team's activities in line with the company's policies and mission. Any deviations from goals and plans will need to be rectified by the manager.

   Method 3 of 3: Continuing to Learn the 5 Functions Of Management

2. 1
   Take a business management course. Several schools use the 5 Functions of Management to teach entire courses. If you are enrolled in business school or college, you can probably find a professor who teaches it.
3. 2
   Put the 5 functions into practice. Whether you are managing a department or only yourself, apply the functions to your professional life.
4. 3
   Test yourself. Quiz yourself on what you have learned to make sure you really understand the concepts.
   • Try an online test, such as Quizlet. On this site, you can use flashcards to test yourself on definitions and principles.
5. 4
   Discuss the model with others. Have a healthy debate about the theory with people who support the model or disagree.
   • Talk about pros and cons, as well as other theories that are similar and completely opposite. Frederick Herzberg and Elton Mayo are often compared to Henri Fayol.