The compilation of these Directing Notes makes students exam preparation simpler and organised.
Elements of Direction
Directing is one of the most important functions of management. Without the direction provided to the employees, the workforce would be clueless about which path to follow. Let us understand the concept of direction and the elements of directing.
Meaning of Direction
Directing can be defined as that function of management, which helps in guiding and leading people to work in such a manner so as to perform efficiently and effectively for the attainment of organizational objectives. Directing is the managerial function, which initiates organized action.
It is one of the most important fundamental functions of management and is a part of every managerial action taken because the direction is primarily concerned with various other functions of management like leadership, motivation, and communication.
According to Koontz and O ‘Donnel; “directing is a complex function that includes all those activities which are designed to encourage subordinates to work effectively and efficiently in both the short and long-run.”
Therefore the direction involves such methods which include communicating and providing leadership to the subordinates and motivating them to contribute to the best of their capability for the achievement of organizational objectives.
Elements or Techniques of Direction
There are various elements involved in direction are as follows-
1. Issuing Orders and Instructions to Subordinates
The first and foremost element of direction is to issue orders and instructions which are considered an essential step in the process of directing subordinates. An order is a fundamental tool for getting things done. Therefore, the orders and instructions reflect managerial decisions and initiate action on the part of subordinates. Orders may be general or specific, formal or informal, written or oral.
Thus an order should serve the following characteristics:
- The order should be clear and complete.
- It should be reasonable and attainable.
- The order must be in tune with the various other objectives of the organization and also for the interests of the subordinates.
- All orders should follow the chain of command.
- Face-to-face suggestions are preferable to long distance orders.
2. Supervision in an overall manner
It refers to monitor the progress of routine work of one’s subordinates and guiding them properly. Supervision is an important element of the directing function of management. Supervision has an important feature which includes face-to-face interaction between the supervisor and his subordinates.
It involves direct personal contact with subordinates. Supervision converts plans into action. Thus supervision is considered as an essential step in the process of directing.
3. Motivating Subordinates
The term motivation can be referred to as that process which excites people to work for the attainment of the desired objective. Among the various factors of production, it is only the human factor which is dynamic and provides mobility to other physical resources.
Thus, in an overall sense, it becomes essential so as to motivate the human resources so as to keep the employees dynamic, aware, and eager to perform their duty. Both monetary and non-monetary incentives are given to the employees for motivation. Thus through motivation, the employees will perform better. Hence, it will help to achieve the organizational goals and objectives.
4. Providing Leadership
The term Leadership defines as influencing others in such a manner as to guide them to do what the leader wants them to do. Leadership plays an important role in directing. Only through this leadership skill, a manager can develop trust and zeal among his subordinates. Therefore it leads to guide and provide overall counseling to subordinates in the best way for achieving their objectives and also for the organization.
5. Communicating with Subordinates
It refers to an act of transferring facts, ideas, feeling, etc. from one person to another and making him understand them. A manager has to continuously t guides and also at the same time, monitors his subordinates about what to do, how to do, and when to do various things.
Also, it is very essential to know their reactions. To do all this it becomes essential to develop effective telecommunication facilities. Therefore, the essential feature is to communicate with itself can be called by developing mutual understanding inculcates a sense of cooperation which builds an environment of coordination in the organization.
6. Maintaining discipline and Rewarding Effective People
By maintaining an atmosphere of discipline and trust in the organization, the manager can easily give directions. So that the work done by his employees is in the most efficient and effective manner.
In return, the employees will get a reward in the form of bonuses, incentives, and other perks so as to get themselves associated with the organization on a long-term basis. Therefore, this element of direction also plays a very important role in achieving the overall objectives of an organization.
Examples:
Question 1.
What the major elements involved in direction.
Answer:
The elements mainly concerned with the directing function in an organization are as follows-
- Issuing orders and instructions
- Supervision
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Communication
- Maintaining discipline approach
Question 2.
How can be communication prove to be an important element of directing function in an organization?
Answer:
As we can define communication to be an art of transferring facts, ideas, feeling, etc. from one person to another and making him understand them. Therefore the manager has to continuously guide and also at the same time, monitors his subordinates about what to do, how to do, and when to do various things.
Also, it is very essential to know their reactions. To do all this it becomes important to develop effective telecommunication facilities. Therefore, the essential feature is to communicate with itself can be called by developing mutual understanding inculcates a sense of cooperation which builds an environment of coordination in the organization.