BUS 200 Discussion – The Primary Responsibility of Management

This is a discussion assignment with two parts. Complete both parts A and B.

Part A

1. For this assignment, you will take part in a discussion of the functions and responsibilities of management. You now know from your readings in the textbook that there are five (5) functions of management-Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Leading and Controlling. Obviously many purposes for management can be given but you are expected to reduce them to the one purpose that outweighs and/or includes all others. Many management thinkers and writers have addressed this subject with varying results so depending on your outlook there are many possible correct answers. For example, is the primary responsibility to the organization: To make a profit? To create a safe and rewarding work environment? To have at least a neutral impact on the environment? I could list many others but you are to evaluate several management responsibilities and suggest ONLY ONE that can be considered the primary responsibility of management. Use examples from your readings, current events, and personal experience to support your answers.
2. Post your response to the question, what is the primary responsibility of management (only one responsibility is to be offered and not multiples) to The Primary Responsibility of Management discussion forum.

Part B

1. Read the posts from your classmates and critique the posts of two by asking a question. (Choose classmates that haven’t already been asked questions by someone else, if any.) Your questions should be one of these three types:
   • Clarification question – This kind of question helps the writer by asking him to clarify points that you think could be more fully explained. An example of clarification questions is, “You said in your posting that Planning must be the most important function of management because it is where the process starts”. Why does the first have to be most important? Maybe the last is most important as that is where you finish.
   • Hypothetical question – This kind of question helps the writer by asking her to test her argument by applying it to a situation that you specify. An example of a hypothetical question is, “You said leading is the most important function of management. What would happen if the organization got that function right but failed on any or all of the other functions?”
   • Evidence question – When a writer states something as fact rather than personal opinion, his argument is stronger if he cites evidence that the fact is true. Facts can be evidenced, in approximate order of strongest evidence to weakest, (1) by citing trustworthy data, (2) by citing the opinions of experts, (3) by citing repeatable personal experience, or (4) by citing common opinion. This kind of question helps the writer by asking for evidence if he states something as fact but doesn’t cite evidence. An example of an evidence question is, “You stated categorically that Controlling is the most important function of management. Can you cite references and/or experience to support that contention?”
2. Post your reactions to comments from other students on your posting.