Final answer:
The four principal functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four principal functions of management are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
Planning involves setting goals and deciding on the best course of action to achieve them. Organizing involves arranging resources and tasks to accomplish the goals. Leading involves motivating and guiding employees to work towards the goals. Controlling involves monitoring progress and making corrections as necessary to ensure the goals are being achieved.
For example, a manager at a clothing store would plan by setting sales targets for the month, organize by assigning employees to different sections of the store, lead by training and motivating the employees to provide excellent customer service, and control by reviewing sales reports and making adjustments to improve performance.