According to Guo (2010) a manager is an individual in an organization who is responsible for the work performance of others (p.12). Managers at all levels in an organization use the classic management functions to direct work, and improve efficiency within their organization (Guo, 2010). Health care managers also know the importance of these functions. When one function is not working well the organization can be in trouble (Nowicki & Summers, 2002). To understand management functions as used in the health care field, we need to define the various management functions, look at how these functions are interrelated, and discuss the frequency that these functions are utilized at the varying levels of management in the health care system (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). Managers are able to accomplish their goals and objectives by utilizing the management functions of planning, decision making, organizing, staffing, directing or actuating, and controlling (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). First, planning involves evaluating the current state of an organization and then developing goals to meet the desired future vision for that organization (Guo, 2010). Second is decision making, this is when a choice is made after the review of various alternatives (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). The third managerial function is organization, which is the act of developing a system of relationships that will contribute to achieving the goals of the organization (Guo, 2010). Fourth, staffing is the act of hiring and interviewing new workers, and determining where workers are needed (Nowicki & Summers, 2002). Fifth, is directing or actuating, this is the managerial function that is most associated with teaching, because this function is about providing guidance and motivating employees (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). The sixth and final function is controlling, which is the determination of what is being accomplished, by controlling the work through standards and monitoring employees (Nowicki & Summers, 2002). While each of these functions are listed individually, they are very much interrelated functions. For example, planning can be done in collaboration with others, but ultimately the decision making or final choice is made by the manager from the various alternatives that were discussed in the planning stage (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). Controlling is also related to the planning and decision making function. When initiating
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First level supervisors are in charge of smaller groups of employees, in health care this may be a unit manager. They are responsible for ensuring that their team is meeting goals that are consistent with the organization’s standards (Guo, 2010). A first level supervisor, will frequently be using managerial functions such as controlling, staffing and directing. Planning, decision making, and organizing would be used rarely by a first level manager, because they are ensuring that a plan set by upper management is meeting its objectives (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). A middle manager will manage larger departments and is typically the first level supervisor’s, manager. They will implement more complex projects and utilize functions such as organizing, staffing, directing and controlling on a regular basis (Guo, 2010). Executive level managers, such as a chief medical officer, will be responsible for developing an organization’s primary objectives. An executive manager is a leader who will frequently utilize planning and decision making to develop organizational goals (Nowicki & Summers, 2002). They will also use Directing and actuating on a daily basis, because they will need to inspire and teach the organization’s vision to others (Guo,
First level supervisors are in charge of smaller groups of employees, in health care this may be a unit manager. They are responsible for ensuring that their team is meeting goals that are consistent with the organization’s standards (Guo, 2010). A first level supervisor, will frequently be using managerial functions such as controlling, staffing and directing. Planning, decision making, and organizing would be used rarely by a first level manager, because they are ensuring that a plan set by upper management is meeting its objectives (Liebler & McConnell, 2012). A middle manager will manage larger departments and is typically the first level supervisor’s, manager. They will implement more complex projects and utilize functions such as organizing, staffing, directing and controlling on a regular basis (Guo, 2010). Executive level managers, such as a chief medical officer, will be responsible for developing an organization’s primary objectives. An executive manager is a leader who will frequently utilize planning and decision making to develop organizational goals (Nowicki & Summers, 2002). They will also use Directing and actuating on a daily basis, because they will need to inspire and teach the organization’s vision to others (Guo,