What Are the Four Functions of Management?

The four functions of management are planning, organizing, leading and controlling. These outline the primary roles and responsibilities of a person in an organizational leadership role. Planning includes such activities as forming company objectives and strategies, and outlining task responsibilities for a period of time.

Organizing includes activities enable a structure that contributes to achieving goals. A clear hierarchy and reporting structure and allocation of adequate resources are elements of the organizing function. Motivating employees to perform their roles optimally to help the organization achieve goals is central to leading. Controlling is the accountability factor. Managers use metrics to assess actual performance against goals and to institute specific consequences or actions based on progress.