What management function is exemplified by an executive housekeeper drafting the operations budget for the housekeeping department?

When an executive housekeeper drafts the operations budget for the housekeeping department, they are engaging in the planning function of management. This function involves setting objectives and deciding on the courses of action needed to achieve those goals. In this context, creating a budget is a forward-looking activity that establishes the financial framework within which the housekeeping department will operate. It involves estimating future financial needs, allocating resources, and determining how to prioritize spending in alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.

Planning is essential because it helps anticipate future conditions and challenges, allowing the housekeeping department to effectively balance its resources and ensure that it can meet its responsibilities, such as maintaining cleanliness and operational efficiency. This process is a critical first step in the management cycle, setting the direction for future operations and activities within the department. Therefore, the budgeting process clearly illustrates the planning function of management by preparing for future actions and aligning them with the overall goals of the hotel.