Introduction to Organisational Behavior - End of Chapter Questions

[Suzette Matterson]

Hi,
Can I get some constructive criticism on my response to the following
questions. Thanks.

Question: Define the term Management.

Answer:
Management refers to the Planning , Organizing, Directing and
Controlling of Organizational resources to achieve Organizational
Goals.
Planning- the organization determines what is to be done through a
process of systematic thought that precedes action and by matching
available resources against predicted conditions to achieve
organizational objectives. This is done by forecasting, goal setting
and decision making.
Organizing- management process which actually arranges for work to be
carried out. It is concerned with the allocation of resources labor,
finance etc. into working units and relationships which will
facilitate the carrying out of agreed plans.
Directing- arises out of organizing and is concerned with ensuring
that employees are appropriately engaged in carrying out activities to
meet goals and plans, involves motivating and supervising staff
towards concerted efforts needed for effective performance.
Controlling- is the process of monitoring and regulation of
performance to ensure it conforms to the plans and goals of the
organization. This review of the way in which goals are met is
continuous and critical especially in a rapidly evolving business
world.

Question: Distinguish carefully between the Roles, Functions and
Activity of the First line Supervisor.

Answer:
The First line Manager also called Supervisor operates on the lowest
level of the Management hierarchy which is sometimes referred to as
the “Technical level”.
Roles- The First line Supervisor is on the lowest level of the
Management hierarchy and is responsible for non-managerial personnel.
Functions- Is responsible for carrying out discrete tasks in the
organization.
Activity- Is concerned with the undertaking of actual work
processes.

[Golda Dennis]

Suzette, your Definition of management is good. When distinguishing between the Roles, Functions and Activity of the First line Supervisor, it would be helpful to describe a situation which illustrates this. 

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"

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
        --Ghandi