Who is credited with introducing the four primary management functions?

• A. Lilian Gilbreth
• B. Mariata Subong
• C. Douglas McGregor
• D. Henry Fayol

Answer: (D)

Henry Fayol is the figure credited with introducing the basic set of management functions that guide how managers organize and run work. He described planning, organizing, directing (leading), and controlling as the essential activities managers perform to achieve goals. This framework laid the foundation for how we think about managerial work, and although some later models add a fifth function like coordinating or group it with leading, the origin story points to Fayol. The other names in the list are known for different contributions—one for efficiency and workflow studies, another for motivation theories—so Fayol’s formulation is the classic reference for these core functions.