Functions of Management
What function of management involves setting goals and deciding how to achieve them?
planning
What is the process of finding and attracting new employees?
recruitment
Who spends most of their time planning at the strategic level?
high-level management
Who manages recruitment, hiring, and employee development?
human resources manager
Which theory focuses on efficiency and task optimization, famously developed by Frederick Taylor?
Scientific Theory
Which function involves arranging tasks, people, and other resources?
organizing
What process is used to choose the best candidate?
selection
Who supervises workers and daily operations?
front-line management
Who is in charge of pricing and promotion of products
the marketing manager
Which theory, introduced by Max Weber, emphasizes rules, hierarchy, and clear authority?
Bureaucratic Theory
This function motivates, leads, and otherwise influences people to work hard
directing
Name one type of training or development strategy.
on-the-job training/workshops/professional development
This level focuses on tactical planning and implementation sometimes at a regional level.
middle management
Which leadership style lets employees make most decisions
free-rein leadership
Which theory, developed from Elton Mayo’s Hawthorne Studies, emphasizes the importance of social factors and employee well-being?
Human Relations Theory
What function evaluates performance and makes improvements?
controlling
Why is effective staffing important to an organization?
it enhances performance, promotes satisfaction, and reduces turnover
Which management level spends the most time directing and controlling?
front-line management
Name all four types of leadership styles
autocratic, democratic, free-rein, and authentic
Which theory suggests there's no one best way to manage — it depends on the situation?
Contingency Theory
Maria is the manager of a clothing retail store. Sales have been declining, so she sets new weekly targets, assigns team members to redesign product displays, motivates them with sales incentives, and checks in every few days to monitor progress. Which two functions of management is she primarily demonstrating, and how?
planning (setting sales targets) and controlling (monitoring progress and making adjustments)
Jason is the HR manager at a tech company. After identifying a need for more software developers, he posts job ads online, screens resumes, conducts interviews, and finally selects three candidates to hire. What two key staffing processes is Jason performing, and how do they support the company’s goals?
recruitment (posting jobs and attracting applicants) and selection (interviewing and choosing candidates), which ensure the company hires qualified staff to meet its needs
At a large manufacturing company, the CEO makes decisions about expanding into international markets. Department heads work on how to implement the expansion plan by adjusting budgets and assigning responsibilities. Meanwhile, floor supervisors train workers on new procedures and ensure daily tasks are completed. Identify the level of management each person represents and explain their role.
top-level management (CEO – strategic decisions), middle-level management (department heads – tactical planning and coordination), and front-line management (floor supervisors – operational execution)
Lina manages a team of graphic designers. When a tight deadline causes stress, she calmly reorganizes the team's workflow, communicates clearly with clients, and motivates her team by acknowledging their strengths and progress. What two types of managerial skills is Lina demonstrating, and how do these relate to effective leadership?
human skills (motivating and communicating with her team) and conceptual skills (reorganizing workflow and understanding the bigger picture), both of which are essential for strong leadership
At a fast-growing logistics company, the CEO believes that clear rules, a strict chain of command, and detailed procedures are key to keeping operations efficient. Meanwhile, a team leader in the warehouse focuses on team morale and employee relationships to boost productivity. Identify the two management theories being used and explain how they are reflected in the managers' actions.
Bureaucratic Theory (CEO – structured rules and hierarchy) and Human Relations Theory (team leader – focus on employee well-being and motivation)