1. It is important for organizations to engage in succession planning, and identify the leaders who will guide the company as it progresses in the future. What do you feel is the specific role of the four functions of management model as it relates to succession planning? Might it be used to help managers plan out their futures at the company, or is it more geared to short-term efforts?
2. For example, if 10 our of duties fall under informational, three under decisional, and one under interpersonal we might assume our main function is informational. What are some other methods to assess the function we play each day or in various situations and assess it through the use of critical thinking?
3. Criticism of the four functions model is hard to come by, but it is out there in various journals (Hales, 1986). What is more important is how relevant is the model to your own experience as a manager, or potential management opportunities? In my daily tasks I am engaging in all four of the areas at any given time, in various circumstances. Therefore, the four functions model is relevant to my experience as a manager. However, a critic may argue it does not account for changes in the workplace or new processes based on technological innovation.
From a practical standpoint, a manager has to ensure their subordinates are working effectively to achieve the goals of the organization. If the four functions model offers a method to achieve positive outcomes, then it is relevant. What advice might you offer a new manager who is unfamiliar with the required activities of a leader? Is the four functions model a good place to start or is it too much theory and not enough practical application?
Reference
Hales, C. P. (1986). What do managers do? A critical review of the evidence. Journal Of Management Studies, 23(1), 88-115
4. As technology progresses, is it something we must take into consideration with each function? For example, 20 years ago employees brought a pen and pad to meetings. 10 years ago they brought bulky laptops. Now, they bring IPads or other tablets. How do progressive technology options affect our management duties?
5. Given the four functions of management, have you ever been in a situation where one of those functions was neglected? Were the outcomes of that neglect positive or negative? Why?