Every business or organization needs people with certain qualifications to keep the company alive and thriving. Most organizations have employees, but some also contain multiple departments found within large businesses. The following are common departments found in almost all organizations today.
Accounting
Accounting is the department that brings everything together. Without this department, it would be difficult to determine how much money an organization holds, how much it spends, its growth, and other details. Accountants receive money from consumers or clients, record all transactions within a ledger, monitor an organization’s bank account, track its expenses and report data to management. Finance executives are essentially the backbone of any successful organization today, for example, David Geithner.
Engineering
Engineering allows organizations to move forward by creating new ideas without necessarily putting them into action first. This department is responsible for designing and developing products, meeting all safety requirements, and overseeing production. They also improve production methods, develop strategies for new businesses, and research new technology.
Marketing
Marketing is responsible for promoting a company’s goods or services to consumers. It tries to create a demand for what a business offers by developing marketing plans, advertising campaigns, and public relations strategies. It handles customer service inquiries and investigates consumer feedback. This department is essential to increasing an organization’s revenue and profitability.
Human Resources
Human resources oversee the hiring process, training and development of employees, managing employee relations, and maintaining employee files. They also create a positive company culture by organizing social events and implementing wellness programs. They develop policies and procedures related to HR, such as onboarding new hires or disciplining employees. Without a strong HR department, an organization would have difficulty managing its employees effectively.
Purchasing
This department is responsible for acquiring goods and services needed by the company. It establishes contracts with suppliers, reviews bids, and makes purchase decisions. The purchasing agent also verifies that the products received meet all specifications and are of good quality. This is an important role in keeping an organization running efficiently and not wasting money on low-quality goods.
Production
Production oversees the manufacturing or creating of products. They work with engineering to create a product design, determine the necessary resources, and ensure smooth production. Additionally, they manage the inventory and ensure that products are delivered on time. To be successful in this role, one must know various production methods and troubleshoot problems.
Sales
Sales are responsible for generating revenue by selling products or services to consumers or other businesses. This department creates proposals, negotiates contracts, and closes deals. They maintain relationships with clients and track customer data. To be successful in this role, one must have excellent communication and people skills.
Shipping and Receiving
Shipping and receiving oversee the movement of goods from suppliers to customers. This team receives incoming shipments, unloads them, and then inventory what was received. They ship items that clients request. This department is essential for making sure products move quickly throughout an organization.
Information and Communication Technology
ICT is responsible for all technology within an organization. They manage its computer systems, networks, email, and phone systems. They also develop and implement security measures to protect the company’s data. This department is essential for keeping an organization’s data safe and ensuring its employees have the tools they need to do their jobs. ICT is also responsible for developing and implementing new technology within the company, from introducing a new computer system to upgrading the phone system.
Each department in an organization is important to keep it running smoothly. By understanding what these departments do, you can better understand how an organization functions as a whole.