Directing
Dr Rajnish Ratna
Direction
Introduction
• Direction is the managerial function of guiding, motivating, leading and
supervising the subordinates to accomplish desired objectives.
• Direction is an important managerial function that initiates organiser's
action. It is a connecting and activating link between various functions of
management.
• Direction phase of management is the heart of management-in-action. It
provides necessary guidance and inspiration to people at work in order to
carry out their assigned duties.
• Direction is the essence of operations. It is a continuous function.
Meaning
Direction is telling people what to do and seeing that they do it to the best
of their ability. It is through directing that managers get the work done
through people. It consists of:
Issuing orders and instructions by a superior to his subordinates
(Communication).
Guiding, advising and helping subordinates in the proper methods
of work (Leadership).
Motivating them to achieve goals by providing incentives, good
working environment, etc. (Motivation).
Supervising subordinates to ensure compliance with plans
(Supervision).
Thus, the scope of direction is very wide. It includes all those activities
which a manager undertakes to influence the actions of his subordinates
and achieve goals.
Features
Direction is the process of guiding, inspiring, supervising and
commanding subordinates towards the accomplishment of goals. It
has the following features:
Deals with people
Seeks performance
Provides a link
Pervasive
Dynamic and continuous
Importance
The importance of directing function in the process of management
may be discussed under the following heads:
Initiates action
issuing instructions,
providing guidance,
supervising work, and
motivating subordinates to realise goals.
Achieves integration
Motivates people
Facilitates changes
Attains balance and stability
Principles of Direction
Important principles of direction may be summarised thus:
Principle of harmony of objectives
Principle of unify of command
Principle of direct supervision
Appropriate techniques
Managerial communication
Informal organisation
Principle of maximum individual contribution
Use of motivation techniques
Principle of follow-up
Elements of Direction
The directing function of management consists of the following
elements:
Good instructions
Follow-up of instruction
Standard practice and indoctrination
Explanations
Consultative direction
Thanks