Directing Function of Management

Main functions of management are Planning, Organizing, Staffing and Directing. Directing as a function of management is concerned with instructing, guiding and inspiring people in the organization to achieve its objectives. It involves overseeing people at work, making provision for the necessary facilities and creating a work environment, whereby employees may perform to the best of their abilities.

Features of Directing

Below are the characteristics features of the Directing function of the management:

• It is managerial function perform by all the managers at all levels.
• Its function is to initiate the action in an organization.
• Motivates the employees for better and efficient performance.
• It is a continuous function

Principles of Direction

Harmony of Objectives: Individuals join the organization to satisfy their physiological and psychological needs. They will perform their tasks better if they feel that it will satisfy their personal goals. Therefore, management should harmonize the personal goals of employees with the organizational goals.

Unity of Command: A subordinate should get orders and instructions from one superior only. If he is made accountable to two bosses simultaneously, there will be confusion, conflict, disorder and indiscipline in the organization. Therefore, subordinate should report to one superior only.

Appropriate Techniques: The managers should use correct direction techniques to ensure efficiency of direction. The techniques used should be suitable to the superior, the subordinates and the situation.

Direct Supervision: Direction becomes more effective when there is a direct personal contact between a superior and his subordinates. Such direct contact improves the morale and commitment of employees. Therefore, wherever possible direct supervision should be used.

Democratic Leadership: This principle states that leader should give respect to the opinions and views of his subordinates. As a result of this, leaders can secure maximum output from their followers.

Follow up: Directing is a continuous process. Therefore, after issuing orders and instructions, a manager should find out whether the subordinates are working properly and what problems they are facing.

Means of Direction

There are two important means of directing

Orientation: It is the means in which new employees are introduced with working environment of the organization. Managers give direction about the work and relation with the other jobs. This is very important to align individual objectives with organisation objectives.

Issuing orders and instructions: Managers in an organization obtained orders in daily routine. And they should use proper skills and knowledge while issuing the orders. Orders that have been issued could be in oral or written form.