What is the definition of management?

The definition of management is best captured by the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. This comprehensive perspective emphasizes the multifaceted nature of management as it involves not just influencing and guiding individuals, but also systematically coordinating resources and activities to achieve organizational goals.

Planning refers to the strategic forethought required to set objectives and determine a course of action. Organizing involves structuring resources and tasks effectively to implement plans. Leading encompasses motivating and directing teams to suit the organization’s needs and culture. Controlling involves monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to stay on track toward achieving the set goals.

While the other options include important aspects related to management, they do not encompass the full scope of what management entails. For instance, the ability to influence and guide individuals is a critical skill in leadership but does not cover the organizational and strategic components. Similarly, a framework outlining how tasks are divided relates more to structuring rather than capturing the entire management process. Lastly, setting goals and evaluating performance are vital functions but are components of the wider management cycle, rather than the comprehensive definition of management itself.