Introduction: - Directing is a process in which the managers
instruct, guide, communicate, inspire, motivate and oversee the performance of
the workers to achieve predetermined goals. Directing is said to be the heart
of management process. Planning,
organizing, staffing has no importance if directing function does not take
place. It is a continues process initiated at top level and flows to the bottom
through organizational hierarchy (ladder).
A few philosophers call Direction as “Life
spark of an enterprise”.
Definition: -
““Directing is what has to be done and in what manner
through dictating the procedures and policies for accomplishing performance
standards”. Defined by… (Earnest
Date)
The
Nature of Directing can be briefly explained as follows
1.
Pervasive Function: - Directing is required at all levels of an
organization every manager provides guidance and information to his
subordinates. It is a function related from top level of management to lower
level subordinate of the organization.
2.
Executive Function: - Directing function is carried out by all
managers and executive at all levels throughout the working of an organization.
A subordinate always gets instructions from his superior only.
3.
Human Factor:
- Directing function is related with human beings unlike other four factors of
production i.e. money, machines, material and methods. Since human factor is
complex and behaviour is unpredictable. Direction function becomes important.
4.
Continuous Activity: - Directing is a continuous activity as it
continues throughout the life of an organization. The mangers has to give
direction to his subordinates, but the process will not end with giving
directions as he has to guide and motivate them continuously so that the
desired goals can be achieved.
5.
Creative Activity: - Directing function helps in converting plans
into performance. A manager needs to have a creative and innovative thinking so
that he can guide and motivate his subordinates with new ideas and techniques
and making their performance better one.
1 .
6.
Delegate Function: - Directing function deals with human behaviour.
Human behaviour is unpredictable by nature and conditioning the people’s
behaviour towards the goals of an organization is what the manager does in the
function.
7.
Flow from Top to Bottom Level: - Directing functions includes providing instructions
which flows from top to bottom. It starts with top level management and ends
with subordinates at the lower level.
8.
Facilitates Co-ordination: - Directing brings harmony among employees and
balance between all the activities of an organization. Managers have to provide
directions to their respective departments and subordinates accordingly follow
the directions and work towards achievement of organizational objectives.
9.
Dual Objective: - Direction helps to achieve dual objectives of an
organization. On the one hand it aims at getting things done by the
subordinates and on the other hand, it provides an opportunity for the managers
to prove their leadership qualities.
10.
Psychological Factor: -Directing function is directly related to an
individual working in an organization. It deals with their feelings, emotions,
etc. while giving direction to the subordinates, the manager has to take care
that the feelings and emotions should not be get hurt.
