What are we talking about? A functional manager is a manager who organizes the activities of employees within their area of responsibility. For example, a marketing director conducting training for salespeople will be their functional manager, as opposed to a sales manager, who is a line manager for these employees.
What to pay attention to? Using loan database functional managers allows businesses to solve the problem with competencies, transfer the necessary skills and knowledge to performers or line managers. However, there are also disadvantages - the problem with subordination and conflicts of interest.
In this article:
The concept of functional management
Tasks of the functional manager
Pros and cons of linear-functional management
When a functional manager is needed
Rules for the implementation of the position of functional manager
Potential problems of introducing functional managers
Is there career growth for functional managers?
Criteria for selecting a functional manager for project management
Frequently Asked Questions about Functional Manager
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The concept of functional management
The linear management structure is simple: the links between levels are built strictly vertically, and one-man management is the fundamental principle. This system is especially effective for small businesses, including family businesses, due to its clarity, precise interactions and minimal number of management levels.
However, a senior line manager is forced to independently resolve all management issues, which in large enterprises can lead to his overload, lack of time for strategic tasks and a decrease in the quality of decisions.
The concept of functional management
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When a functional structure is implemented at the middle management level, specialized units are created that perform specific actions. These units support lower-level line managers, i.e. junior managers.
In the West, functional levels include departments such as human resources, marketing, finance, and logistics. Each of these levels has the right to manage the lower levels.
As a result, the top-level line and functional manager is freed from some operational functions and can focus on strategic management. This allows for more competent decisions to be made, as they are transferred to the responsibility of narrow-profile specialists. The main disadvantage of the functional structure is possible conflicts in orders and the presence of dual subordination of employees.
The functional structure represents the distribution of management functions between managers and individual departments.
A management function is a type of activity that results from the division and specialization of labor in the management sphere. It is distinguished by its characteristics and is part of the overall management process. A company may have from 10 to 25 management functions.
A task complex is a part of a management function that is identified according to certain criteria, such as planning, standardization, analysis, and accounting. The implementation of such tasks is usually assigned to small functional units.