Managers achieve organizational goals through directing the activities of others. The key managerial activities include making decisions, allocating resources, and directing others. Managers work in organizations, which are social units composed of multiple people working together to achieve common goals. The main management functions that enable managers to direct organizations are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Planning involves defining goals, strategies, and coordinating activities. Organizing determines tasks, reporting relationships, and how work is grouped. Leading provides vision, motivation, and conflict resolution. Controlling monitors activities to ensure goals are met.