Page 9 - Office Practice and Accounting -9

departments. It is the function of the office to arrange for the selection and purchase
of the right type of furniture, equipment and machines in right quantities, so that
office work according to the planned system and routine can be carried on without
interruption. The office has also to look after the proper assignment of the furniture,
equipment and machines to the department' and employees to ensure their fullest
utilization, as well as arrange for their maintenance, servicing and replacement
according to need.
e. Selection, training, placement and remuneration of personnel

Efficient economical performance of office work depends, to a great extent, on the
proper selection and management of the office personnel. One of the major functions
of a modern office is to arrange for the selection and recruitment of the right kind of
staff, their training and placement in position where they will be most effective, their
discipline and encouragement through remuneration, promotion and other incentives
and suitable amenities for their physical and moral well-being. It also includes
steps for retaining their interest and loyalty to the organization and maintenance of
harmonious relationship among themselves.

f. Safeguarding of assets
The assets of an organization include fixed installations of the office building like
telephones, lighting and ventilation systems, fans, air-conditioners, water coolers,
etc., as well as movable assets like furniture, office machines, equipment of various
types, cash and securities, records, deeds, and documents, etc. These are considered
essential for the proper functioning of the organization, and it is the function of the
office to arrange for the protection and safeguarding of assets against loss or damage
from thief, fire or other means.

Importance of an office
The 'Office' forms an important and indispensable part of every business undertaking,
big or small. The importance of the office to a business enterprise cannot be managed
efficiently without clerical assistance. It has been very well said, "The office is to
business what the mainspring is to the watch."
The efficient management of a business enterprise depends on the effective
performance of certain basic managerial functions, such as:
• Planning, formulation of policies and preparing programmes of action.
• Communication of policies and executive decisions to the employees and workers.
• Directing and guiding the workers.
• Coordinating the activities of different departments, and.
• Controlling business activities and evaluating the results.
In other words, "A well-organized office makes it possible for management to plan
its operations intelligently, to put its plans into effect surely, to follow their progress
currently, to determine their effectiveness promptly, to appraise the results without
delay, and to coordinate all the activities of the business."

GREEN – Office Practice and Accounting 9 5