Directing in Management (Meaning, Definition, and Importance) | Free Management Blogs
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Directing in Management
What is Directing?
Directing is the soul of the management function. It is the process of instructing, guiding, communicating, inspiring, motivating, and supervising the employees to achieve the predetermined goals of an organization.
Direction is a continuous function initiated at top level and flows to the lower level through organizational hierarchy.
It is a continuous managerial process that goes on throughout the tenure of the organization. Director is the person who shows the correct path as well as guides the employees in solving the problems wherever necessary. A few philosophers called direction as “Life Spark of an Enterprise”.
Definitions of Directing
“Direction consists of the process and techniques utilizing in issuing instructions and making certain that operations are carried out as planned.”
According to Theo Haimann
- Nature of Principle of Management
- Importance of Principles of Management
- Henri Fayol 14 Principles of Management
- Scientific Principles of Management
- Techniques of Scientific Management
Why is directing important in management?
1) Initiates Action
Direction is the function that supports to activate the plans with the help of employees. Every action is initiated through timely direction. Proper instructions are given to subordinates while completing their assigned task.
The managers direct the subordinates about what to do, how to do, when to do and also to see that their instructions are properly followed.
2) Integrates Efforts
Communication is one of the elements of direction. It helps in integrating the efforts of all the employees and departments which results in achievement of organizational goals.
Integration of efforts is possible through persuasive leadership and effective communication toward the accomplishment of organizational goals.
3) Means of Motivation
While directing the subordinates, their opinions are also considered. A manager identifies the potential and abilities of its subordinates and helps them to give their best.
He also motivates them by offering them financial and non-financial incentives to improve their performance. It boosts the morale of subordinates.
4) Provides Stability
Stability plays a significant role in the growth and survival of the organization. Effective leadership, communication, supervision, and motivation develop cooperation and commitment among the employees.
It provides stability and creates balance among various departments and groups.
5) Coping up with the Changes
Factors of business environment are always changing. Adapting to environmental changes is necessary for the growth of the organization.
With the help of motivation, proper communication, and leadership, the employees can clearly understand the nature of change and also the positive outcome of adopting to the change. For example, e-filing, use of Robots at workplace, etc.
6) Effective Utilization of Resources
Direction involves assigning duties and responsibilities to everyone. Proper instructions and systems are developed to avoid wastage, duplication of efforts, etc.
Subordinates are guided to utilize the resources i.e. men, machines, materials, and money in the maximum possible way. It helps in reducing costs and increasing profits.
7) Creates Team Spirit
Direction focuses on motivating the subordinates for group efforts. Group efforts or team spirit plays a vital role in the success of an organization than individual efforts.
Therefore, the role of manager as a director plays a very important role in guiding and motivating the employees to achieve the predetermined goals.
8) Explores Capabilities of Individuals
Every individual has various capabilities or potentials in addition to their formal qualifications.
Direction helps to identify and utilize their abilities for best performance by encouraging and motivating them just like a leader.
9) Increases Efficiency Level
Guidance and motivation are given to subordinates to perform at their best level. Being a leader, team spirit is created by the manager as well as proper techniques of supervision are used.
It works positively and results in enhancing the efficiency level of the whole organization.
10) Co-operation
Co-operation is necessary for the smooth flow of organizational activities. It should be created by manager i.e. director from top level to the bottom level of management.
Healthy cooperation, teamwork, and higher efficiency level lead to the attainment of goals.
Thus, Directing to subordinates is a basic management function that includes building an effective work climate through motivation.
