Who was the first person to outline the functions of management?

Henri Fayol is recognized as the first person to formally outline the functions of management, which he categorized into five core areas: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. This framework has laid the foundation for modern management theory by providing a comprehensive view of the roles and responsibilities of managers within an organization.

Fayol's work emphasized the importance of managerial skills and the need for a systematic approach to management. His functions provide guidelines for effective leadership and organizational management that are still studied and applied in contemporary management practices.

The other figures mentioned—Peter Drucker, Henry Mintzberg, and Frederick Taylor—contributed significantly to management theory as well. Drucker is known for his concepts of management by objectives and the importance of innovation. Mintzberg identified managerial roles in organizations, while Taylor is known for his principles of scientific management focused on efficiency and productivity. However, it was Fayol who first articulated a clear framework of management functions, thereby making him a pivotal figure in the history of management thought.