There is no universally acceptable list of the functions of management. Various persons have classified the resources in different ways. However, the following heads of functions are generally acceptable:

• Planning
• Organizing
• Staffing
• Directing
• Controlling

Planning:
Planning is the most important function of management. It involves the managers to think before they can act or take any decisions. It recognizes the ability of a manager not to take any haste decisions or anticipate the plans of the future keeping in mind the theory of probability.

Organization:

Once the plans are formulated, a network of authority-responsibility relationships is developed through which the managers can implement the plans.

Directing
Directing is concerned with the execution of the plans through organized action. It is also called the commanding and actuating. It is that part of the management process which actuates the members of the organization to work efficiently and effectively for the attainment of the desired objectives.

Controlling:
Controlling is the process of measuring performance, comparing it with the defined objectives and standards that are widely acceptable and taking reform measures when everything goes out of order.