In this essay we will focus our research on organizational management, discover the roles of a manager in a typical organization, discuss some of the characteristics an individual should possess to be an effective manager and Finally, we will delve deeper into how these traits fit into the four functions of management. Providing appropriate source citations and professional references of all our findings. We can start by saying that not everyone is cut out to be a manager and that some of us find ourselves in this position by chance. Being a manager means you have to be prepared to get things done through others. According to Harold Koontz, Heinz and Weihrich, Management is “the process of designing and maintaining an environment in which individuals, working together in groups, efficiently achieve selected objectives”. (Rao, 2010). Management is as old as human civilization and is an integral part of human life. Management principles are put into practice voluntarily or involuntarily, consciously or unconsciously. Furthermore, people from all walks of life plan their activities before starting their jobs. Likewise, they organize different types of resources necessary for carrying out activities, employ people or use their own and family members, direct and guide people, coordinate all types of resources such as people, money, materials, machinery and resources knowledge in the task execution process. Furthermore, we check and supervise whether we are carrying out the activities as expected. If activities do not proceed as planned, we take corrective measures. (Rao, 2010) The role of a manager in a typical organization varies, but the main ones are planning, organizing, directing and controlling. A manager's main organizational strategy. (Rao, 2010)As we continued our research we also discovered some characteristics that an effective manager should have to be successful in the workplace. Good communication, functional knowledge, motivation and inspiration, creation of a congenial environment, rewards and recognition. Finally we also learned how all four functions are closely related to all the characteristics that a manager should have. References Jones, G., & George, J. (2011). Essential elements of contemporary management. (4th, ed.) Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Mintzberg, H., & James, R. M. (1988). The manager's work, the strategic process. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. Rao, P. S. (2010). Asford University Library. Retrieved July 15, 2011, from Principles and Practice of Management: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ashford/docDetail.action?docID=10416059&p00=roles%20manager