Question

The management process consists of six functions: planning, staffing, organizing, directing, controlling, and decision making. What might be seen in the planning step of the process?

1) Identifying the problem of the lack of ICU beds
2) Organizing a meeting to address the problem
3) Establishing an alternate site within the hospital for these patients
4) Assigning experienced staff to implement care of these patients

Answer 1

In the planning phase of the management process, identifying the problem of the lack of ICU beds would be an activity seen, as it involves recognizing and analyzing a shortfall in preparation for setting goals and future action.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the planning step of the management process, one might see activities focused on establishing objectives and forming the strategies to achieve them. Therefore, when looking at the options given, Identifying the problem of the lack of ICU beds would fall under planning.

This is because it involves recognizing and analyzing a shortfall within the current system, which is a preliminary step before devising solutions and taking further action. Planning is essentially about setting the stage for future actions and includes deciding upon the goals and how to accomplish them, rather than implementing or organizing the workforce, which pertain to other functions of the management process.