Introduction to Management

                                           TABLE OF CONTENT

      TASK 1

Identify the four (4) functions of management that should be followed by all the organization.

One of the functions of management is planning. Planning is defining goals, establishing strategies to achieve goals, developing plans to integrate and coordinate activities. The example of planning is posted by Vernessia Grantnext which is Mr. Brown owns a Fashion Store in Half-Way-Tree. He has to install a security system and also wind resistant windows. He also as to prepare ahead of the market for the expected trends. Mr. Brown prepares for future events.

The second function of management is organizing. Organizing is arranging and structuring work to accomplish organizational goals. The example of organizing is after Mr. Brown has plan to meet the goals of his establishment he decided to put together all the records of purchases and sales in a special folder.

 The third function of management is leading. Leading is working with and through people to accomplish goals. The example of leading is Mr. Brown assign tasks to the customer service attendant to ensure all goals are met and consumers are satisfied.

The fourth function of management is controlling. Controlling is monitoring, comparing and correcting work performance. The example of controlling is Mr. Brown decides what is to have a 20%sale on items in the store for 3 weeks.

Task 2

Briefly explain the six (6) personality types developed by Dr. John Holland with relevant examples.

There are six (6) personality types developed by Dr. John Holland which are Realistic, Investigative, Social, Conventional, Enterprising, Artistic. The first personality that I want to explain is Realistic. People who are Realistic prefers physical activities that require skills, strength, and coordination. Realistic’s characteristics are shy, genuine, persistent, stable, conforming and practical. Example of realistic occupations are farmer, engineer and carpenter.

The second personality is Investigative. People who are investigative prefers activities involving thinking, organizing and understanding. Investigative’s characteristic are analytical, original, curious and independent. Example of investigative occupations are lawyer, teacher and police.

The third personality is Social. People who are social prefers activity that involve helping and developing others. Social’s characteristic is sociable, friendly, cooperative and understanding. Examples of social occupations are doctor, sales manager and counsellor.

The fourth personality is Conventional. People who are conventional prefers rule-regulated, unambiguous orderly, and activities. Conventional’s characteristic are conforming, efficient, practical, unimaginative and inflexible. Example of conventional occupations are accountant, auditor and executive.

The fifth personality is Enterprising. People who are enterprising prefers verbal activities that offer opportunities to influence others and attain power. Enterprising’s characteristic are self-confident, ambitious, energetic and domineering. Example of enterprising occupations are sales person, auctioneer and travel agent.

The last personality developed by Dr. John Holland is Artistic. People who are artistic prefers ambiguous and unsystematic activities that allow creative expression. Artistic’s characteristic are imaginative, disorderly, idealistic, emotional and impractical. Example of artistic occupations are composer, producer and artist.  

Task 3

The definition of the Situational theory is a leadership style that has been developed and studied by Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey. Situational leadership refers to when the leader or manager of an organization must adjust his style to fit the development level of the followers he is trying to influence. With situational leadership, it is up to the leader to change his style, not the follower to adapt to the leader’s style. In situational leadership, the style may change continually to meet the needs of others in the organization based on the situation.

With my knowledge of Situational Leadership Theory, the merits of this theory are that it can improve team effectiveness. For example, the leader of a group understands that each member has different level of knowledge. So, the leader will make changes because this theory allows changes to be switch or change and this will help to develop the team’s readiness level.

The second merit of this theory that I came across is group environment can be comfortable and effective. For example, a few members in a group can’t adapt to the style of the leader used, so the leader can change his approach and it can be adapt by all of the members.