What is an example of the planning function of management?

The planning function of management involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives. Holding a staff meeting to set goals for the year is a direct application of this function, as it requires managers to think ahead about what they want to achieve within that timeframe, engage with team members, and formulate specific goals. This collaborative approach not only clarifies the direction but also fosters buy-in from staff, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organization's objectives.

While developing a mission statement, establishing a production system, and implementing a productivity tracking method are essential tasks, they lean more towards other management functions. The mission statement primarily communicates the organization's purpose and direction rather than the planning process itself. Setting up a production system pertains to organizing and implementing processes rather than initial planning, while establishing a productivity tracking method addresses control and measurement rather than planning. Each of these actions has its place in management practice, but the act of setting annual goals through a staff meeting distinctly exemplifies the planning function.