Which of the following are the four main functions of management in a business?

The four main functions of management in a business are planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

Planning involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives. It establishes the direction for the organization and provides a framework for decision-making.

Organizing is about arranging resources and tasks to achieve the organization’s objectives efficiently and effectively. This function ensures that there is a structure in place for coordination and collaboration among different departments and team members.

Leading refers to the process of motivating and directing employees to work towards the organization's goals. This function emphasizes the importance of leadership in guiding teams and creating a positive work environment.

Controlling involves monitoring the organization’s progress towards its goals and making adjustments as necessary. This includes setting performance standards, measuring actual performance, and taking corrective actions to align performance with the planned objectives.

These functions are interrelated and form a continuous cycle in the management process, highlighting their fundamental role in the successful operation of any business. The other choices do not represent the core activities of management; for instance, they may include specific tasks or processes that fall under the broader functions rather than encompass the essential functions themselves.