Nature of Directing as a directing function 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 the lower level subordinate of the organization.
2. Executive Function : Directing function is carried out by all managers and executives 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 : Direction is a continuous activity as it continues throughout the life of an organization. The manager 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 innovative techniques and making their performance a better one.
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. Flows from Top Level to Bottom Level : Directing function 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 Coordination : Coordination 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. This is possible through coordination only.
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 and also helps subordinates to complete their task under his guidance.
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 get hurt.
