Which set correctly lists the four functions of management?

• A. Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling
• B. Scheduling, budgeting, auditing, and reporting
• C. Analyzing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating
• D. Predicting, directing, coordinating, and assessing

Answer: (A)

The four classic functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. This framework, traced back to early management theory, describes how managers approach work: planning sets goals and the actions needed to reach them; organizing arranges people and resources to execute the plan; leading involves motivating and directing people to do the work; and controlling monitors progress, compares results to the plan, and makes adjustments. The option that lists exactly these four terms matches this widely taught framework, making it the best choice. The other choices describe important managerial activities, but they don’t align with the established set of four functions.