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Lesson 445 min read

Organization & Management

Business Principles, Leadership, and Planning

Management Functions (POLC)

What is Management?

The process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively.

1. Planning

Setting goals and deciding how to achieve them.

  • Define objectives
  • Develop strategies
  • Create action plans
  • Allocate resources

Types: Strategic, Tactical, Operational

2. Organizing

Arranging resources and tasks to achieve goals.

  • Define roles and responsibilities
  • Group activities (departmentalization)
  • Establish authority relationships
  • Coordinate efforts

3. Leading

Motivating and directing people toward goals.

  • Communicate vision
  • Motivate employees
  • Build teams
  • Resolve conflicts

4. Controlling

Monitoring performance and taking corrective action.

  • Set performance standards
  • Measure actual performance
  • Compare to standards
  • Take corrective action

Leadership Styles

Leadership vs. Management

Leadership: Inspiring, visioning, change

Management: Planning, organizing, controlling

Autocratic Leadership

Leader makes decisions alone without subordinate input.

Pros: Quick decisions, clear direction

Cons: Low morale, no creativity

Best for: Emergencies, inexperienced workers

Democratic Leadership

Leader involves team members in decision-making.

Pros: High morale, creativity, buy-in

Cons: Slower decisions, potential conflicts

Best for: Creative work, experienced teams

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Leader gives full freedom with minimal supervision.

Pros: Autonomy, empowerment

Cons: Lack of direction, accountability

Best for: Highly skilled, self-motivated experts

Transformational Leadership

Leader inspires extraordinary outcomes through vision.

  • Idealized influence (role model)
  • Inspirational motivation
  • Intellectual stimulation
  • Individualized consideration

Organizational Structure

Functional Structure

Groups employees by specialized functions.

Departments: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations

Best for: Small to medium businesses

Divisional Structure

Groups by product, geography, or customer type.

  • Product Division (Electronics, Appliances)
  • Geographic Division (Asia, Europe)
  • Customer Division (Retail, Enterprise)

Matrix Structure

Combines functional and divisional; dual reporting.

Challenge: Two bosses, potential confusion

Key Concepts

  • Chain of Command: Line of authority from top to bottom
  • Span of Control: Number of subordinates a manager supervises
  • Centralization: Decision-making at top levels
  • Decentralization: Decision-making distributed to lower levels
  • Delegation: Assigning authority and responsibility

Business Planning

Levels of Planning

  • Strategic: Long-term (3-5 years), top management, vision/mission
  • Tactical: Medium-term (1-3 years), middle management, department goals
  • Operational: Short-term (daily/weekly), supervisors, day-to-day tasks

SWOT Analysis

Strengths (Internal)

What we do well

Weaknesses (Internal)

Areas for improvement

Opportunities (External)

External chances for growth

Threats (External)

External challenges

SMART Goals

  • S - Specific: Clear and well-defined
  • M - Measurable: Quantifiable indicators
  • A - Achievable: Realistic and attainable
  • R - Relevant: Aligned with objectives
  • T - Time-bound: Has a deadline

Business Plan Components

  1. Executive Summary
  2. Company Description
  3. Market Analysis
  4. Organization & Management
  5. Products/Services
  6. Marketing Strategy
  7. Financial Projections