New Jersey Mortuary Science Practice Exam

What is the function of a manager in a funeral establishment?

1. To supervise interns only

2. To manage and direct all operations and staff

3. To only coordinate the sales of services

4. To prepare the deceased for burial

The correct answer is: To manage and direct all operations and staff

The function of a manager in a funeral establishment encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, primarily focused on overseeing the entire operations and the staff involved in those operations. This role includes ensuring that all aspects of the funeral service run smoothly, from the logistics of the funeral arrangements to the coordination of the staff's activities. A manager is responsible for ensuring that the facility adheres to legal regulations and ethical standards, manages budgets, handles leasing and purchasing of equipment or supplies, and ultimately provides quality service to families in their time of need. This role requires a combination of leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively support staff, address customers' needs, and maintain operational efficiency. In contrast, the roles represented in the other options are too narrow or specific. Supervising interns is just one facet of managing, coordinating sales is limited to marketing aspects, and preparing the deceased for burial strictly falls under the technical skills of the funeral professional rather than managerial duties. Therefore, the comprehensive function of managing all operations and staff accurately reflects the core responsibilities of a manager in a funeral establishment.