Functions of Management at Work

¶ … Functions of Management at Work in the Hospitality Industry: A Brief Examination

The four functions of management -- planning, organizing, leading, and controlling -- are essential for the proper functioning of any organization, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Whatever aspect of the hospitality and tourism industry one might be involved in, there is a definite necessity to maintain the resources of that operation through the four functions of management in order to provide services that consistently uphold the image of the company and establishes the perception of quality care in the consumer (Laws & Thyne 2004). By effectively understanding and implementing the four functions of management, the goal of customer satisfaction can be easily met.

Planning

The analyzing of current circumstances, forecasting of likely future changes, establishment of goals, and determining what operations and methods the company will engage in all fall under the umbrella of the planning function of management. Essentially, "plans set the stage for action and for major achievements" (Bateman-Snell 2009). In the hospitality industry, this can be extremely complex and highly necessary, as tourism trends can shift dramatically in response to world events and appear to be especially volatile in current times (Law & Thyne 2004). Being able to effectively assess a situation and its implications for future developments allows a firm to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks during times of reduced consumer demand, ensuring long-term viability.

Organizing

Once the pans have been made, the resources that belong to the firm must be organized in a way that will help bring these plans to fruition. The complexity of the resources involved in most business ventures illustrates what a complex task the organizing function of management is -- human, financial, physical, and informational resources must all be coordinated, often in a variety of activities, and all moving towards the same ultimate goals (Bateman-Snell 2009). In the hospitality industry, environmental resources can also be added to this list. Coordinating and organizing these in a way that can be both profitable and sustainable -- and thus profitable in the long-term -- is a difficult task being faced more and more by companies in a growing proportion of the world.

Leading

The human resources of a company require an deserve different treatment and consideration than the company's other resources, of course, and this is where the leadership function of management comes into play. Inspiring, encouraging, and simply communicating with employees in way that motivates them to further the company's goals in the most valuable and efficient way possible is the aim of good leadership, and will lead to a maximized return from the company's other resources, as well (Bateman-Snell 2009). In the tourism industry, this can also require becoming a community leader, ensuring others that their lives will not be adversely impacted from tourism increases and generally engaging the community and culture in the endeavor as much as possible (Law & Thyne 2004).

Controlling

The first three functions of management -- planning, organizing, and leading -- require the fourth function of management -- controlling -- to ensure that they are being practiced in the manners and with the intents with which they were conceived (Bateman-Snell 2009). Controlling essentially refers to the monitoring of both the processes and the end results of a company's efforts, and in this manner also serves as something of the final arbiter in management when it comes to the other three functions. In the hospitality industry, control requires constant attention to detail, and the thorough checking and rechecking of ll aspects of the consumer's experience with the company and its services. Without the function of control, there is no way for any company, including -- perhaps especially -- those that operate in the hospitality industry, to know if they are living up to their potential and goals.