Question

State the nature of directing as a function.

Answer 1

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 the management process.  Planning, organizing, staffing has no importance if the directing function does not take place. It is a continuous process initiated at the top level and flows to the bottom through the organizational hierarchy (ladder). A few philosophers call Direction “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)

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 the top level of management to 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 to human beings unlike the 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 managers have to give direction to their 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 creative and innovative thinking so that he can guide and motivate his subordinates with new ideas and techniques and make their performance better.
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 that flow 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 the achievement of organizational objectives.
9. Dual Objective: - Direction helps to achieve the 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 get hurt.