Which of the following is not a function of management?

Budgeting is a critical financial tool and process utilized within organizations to allocate resources and plan for future financial needs, but it does not stand alone as a primary function of management. The core functions of management are typically categorized into planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. These functions encompass the strategic and operational roles of managers in guiding and directing resources to achieve organizational goals.

Planning involves defining objectives and determining a course of action to achieve them. Organizing relates to arranging resources and tasks to implement the plan effectively. Controlling focuses on monitoring and evaluating progress toward the goals, ensuring that the organization remains on track to meet its objectives.

While budgeting is an essential process that supports management functions by providing a financial framework within which planning and controlling take place, it does not constitute a standalone management function. Therefore, it is classified differently, as it primarily deals with financial planning rather than the broader scope of managerial responsibilities.