Which of the following best describes the functions of management?

The best description of the functions of management is coordinating work activities to achieve objectives. This encompasses a core aspect of management, which is the organized effort to bring together resources—human, financial, and physical—to perform activities in a structured way that aligns with the organization’s goals.

Management functions include planning, organizing, leading, and controlling, all of which are closely tied to the idea of coordination. For instance, setting objectives requires understanding how different departments or teams can work together effectively. Coordinating work ensures that all efforts are aligned toward common goals, facilitating communication and collaboration.

The other choices, while related to management, do not encompass the broad spectrum of functions as effectively. Monitoring employee attendance reflects only a small aspect—specifically a part of controlling human resources. Budgeting and forecasting speak to financial management, which is an important but narrower function compared to overall coordination of activities. Establishing promotional strategies relates to marketing management, which is just one part of a larger set of management functions. Thus, the selection of coordinating work activities to achieve objectives encapsulates the essence of management's broader role in an organization.