Importance of directing function
Directing or Direction function is said to be the heart of management of process and therefore, is the central point
around which accomplishment of goals take place. A few philosophers call Direction as “Life spark of an
enterprise”. It is also called as on actuating function of management because it is through direction that the
operation of an enterprise actually starts. Being the central character of enterprise, it provides many benefits to a
concern which are as follows:-
1. It Initiates Actions – Directions is the function which is the starting point of the work performance of
subordinates. It is from this function the action takes place, subordinates understand their jobs and do
according to the instructions laid. Whatever are plans laid, can be implemented only once the actual
work starts. It is there that direction becomes beneficial.
2. It Ingrates Efforts – Through direction, the superiors are able to guide, inspire and instruct the
subordinates to work. For this, efforts of every individual towards accomplishment of goals are required.
It is through direction the efforts of every department can be related and integrated with others. This can
be done through persuasive leadership and effective communication. Integration of efforts bring
effectiveness and stability in a concern.
3. Means of Motivation – Direction function helps in achievement of goals. A manager makes use of
the element of motivation here to improve the performances of subordinates. This can be done by
providing incentives or compensation, whether monetary or non – monetary, which serves as a “Morale
booster” to the subordinates Motivation is also helpful for the subordinates to give the best of their
abilities which ultimately helps in growth.
4. It Provides Stability – Stability and balance in concern becomes very important for long term sun
survival in the market. This can be brought upon by the managers with the help of four tools or elements
of direction function – judicious blend of persuasive leadership, effective communication, strict
supervision and efficient motivation. Stability is very important since that is an index of growth of an
enterprise. Therefore a manager can use of all the four traits in him so that performance standards can
be maintained.
5. Coping up with the changes – It is a human behaviour that human beings show resistance to
change. Adaptability with changing environment helps in sustaining planned growth and becoming a
market leader. It is directing function which is of use to meet with changes in environment, both internal
as external. Effective communication helps in coping up with the changes. It is the role of manager here
to communicate the nature and contents of changes very clearly to the subordinates. This helps in
clarifications, easy adaptions and smooth running of an enterprise. For example, if a concern shifts from
handlooms to powerlooms, an important change in technique of production takes place. The resulting
factors are less of manpower and more of machinery. This can be resisted by the subordinates. The
manager here can explain that the change was in the benefit of the subordinates. Through more
mechanization, production increases and thereby the profits. Indirectly, the subordinates are benefited
out of that in form of higher remuneration.
6. Efficient Utilization of Resources – Direction finance helps in clarifying the role of every
subordinate towards his work. The resources can be utilized properly only when less of wastages,
duplication of efforts, overlapping of performances, etc. doesn’t take place. Through direction, the role of
subordinates become clear as manager makes use of his supervisory, the guidance, the instructions
and motivation skill to inspire the subordinates. This helps in maximum possible utilization of resources
of men, machine, materials and money which helps in reducing costs and increasing profits.
From the above discussion, one can justify that direction, surely, is the heart of management process. Heart
plays an important role in a human body as it serves the function pumping blood to all parts of body which makes
the parts function. In the similar manner, direction helps the subordinates to perform in best of their abilities and
that too in a healthy environment. The manager makes use of the four elements of direction here so that work
can be accomplished in a proper and right manner. According to Earnest Dale, “Directing is what has to be done
and in what manner through dictating the procedures and policies for accomplishing performance standards”.
Therefore, it is rightly said that direction is essence of management process.
INTRODUCTION:
DIRECTING is said to be a process in which the managers instruct, guide
and oversee the performance of the workers to achieve predetermined goals. Directing is said to
be the heart of management process.Planning,organizing, staffing have got no importance if
direction function does not take place.
Directing is influencing people's behavior through motivation, communication, group
dynamics, leadership and discipline. Managers give this function a variety of names. Higgins
calls it leading. Other labels are: influencing, coaching, motivating, interpersonal relations, and
human relations.
PURPOSE:
Thepurpos e of directing is to channel the behavior of all personnel to accomplish the
organization's mission and objectives while simultaneously helping them accomplish their own
career objectives
PHILOSOPHY OF DIRECTING:
Directing initiates action and it is from here actual work starts. Direction is said to be consisting
of human factors. In simple words, it can be described as providing guidance to workers is doing
work. In field of management, direction is said to be all those activities which are designed to
encourage the subordinates to work effectively and efficiently. According to Human, “Directing
consists of process or technique by which instruction can be issued and operations can be carried
out as originally planned” Therefore, Directing is the function of guiding, inspiring, overseeing
and instructing people towards accomplishment of organizational goals
Direction represents one of the essentials functions of management because it
deals with human relations. Direction is also, infrequently and by some, labeled as ‘actuating’.
Once the organizational plans have been laid down, the structure being designed and competent
people brought in to fill various positions in organization. Direction is the managerial function of
guiding, motivating, leading, supervising the subordinates to accomplish desired objectives.
Acquiring physical and human assets will not suffice; what is more important is that people must
be directed toward organizational goals. Without proper direction and supervision employees
become inactive, dull and inefficient and consequently the physical assets like machinery and
plant will be put to ineffective use.
Basic Concepts about Directing
Direction consists of the process and techniques utilizing in issuing instruction
and making certain that operations are carried out as originally planned.
Direction is a complex function that includes all those activities which are
designed to which encourage subordinates to work effectively and efficiently
in both short and long run.
Direction is telling people what to do and seeing that they do it to the best of
their ability.
Directing deals with the steps a manager takes to get subordinates and others
to carry out plans.
Direction provides link between different functions in an organization.
Directing Function of Management
• Directing is influencing people's behavior through motivation,
communication, group dynamics, leadership and discipline. The purpose of
directing is to channel the behavior of all personnel to accomplish the
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