Question

Explain the five key tasks of a manager according to Fayol

ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR

Answer 1

Henri Fayol put forward an argument and stated that the management of any organization has to carry out 5 major functions in their daily routine. These 5 major functions or tasks are :

(a) Planning - Managers need to have a futuristic approach and must plan accordingly for the future conditions and then develop strategic objectives to achieve the future goals of the company. Therefore, managers must smartly evaluate the contingencies that might affect the organization in the future and shape the strategic and operational landscape of the organization.

(b) Organizing - It is the responsibility of the managers to organize the workforce in an effective and efficient manner and align the duties and activities within the organization. The managers must ensure that the workforce is sufficiently educated and skilled and this can be done by recruiting the right people and by giving them the right training.

(c) Commanding - Managers must inspire their subordinates to achieve the organizational goals and must supervise their work on daily basis. Also, the managers must communicate the policies and the goals of an organization to the subordinates and each subordinate must be treated by the manager as per the standards of the organization.

(d) Coordinating - Several activities take place in an organization on daily basis and the managers must ensure that these activities complement each other and add value to the company. In order to achieve this, managers must strive to harmonize the activities and procedures taking place within an organization.

(e) Controlling - It is the responsibility of a manager to ensure that the activities of the company are always in line with the objectives and policies of the company. Managers must check regularly if there are any deviations from the objectives and plans of a company and must report them so that initiatives can be taken to correct these deviations.