2. INTRODUCTION
• Directing includes supervision of subordinates, directing them
in their path, issuing instruction and orders to them and
providing them dynamic leadership by manager.
• In order to achieve predetermined objectives, it is necessary
that subordinates are guided & directed.
3. MEANING
• “Directing functions involves determining the course, giving
orders and instructions and providing the dynamic
leadership.”
• According to Koontz and O'Donnell, “it is the executive
function of guiding and overseeing subordinates.”
• “Directing means to supervise & guide the subordinates.”
4. CHARACTERISTICS
• Pervasive function (universal)
• Continuous process (till the end of business life)
• Direct supervision (personal contact)
• Wide scope (not only supervising, guiding but many things to do in
it.) (friends, philosopher, guide, supervisor, etc.)
• Works as co- ordinator (musical band, singing group, dance group,
etc.)
• Motivating factor (encouragement)
• Managerial function (manager who does all this or executive)
• Efficient communication (what a director mean by….)
5. • Pervasive Function
• It is performed by all the managers at all the levels of
organization viz. top, middle & bottom.
• Continuous process
• A manager has to give instructions, direction, guidance to the
subordinates continuously. It is not a one time job. The work
of teaching never stops.
• Direct Supervision
• A manager has not only to issue instructions, guidance &
orders but has also to supervise their work. For that he has to
be in personal contact with the subordinates.
6. • Wide scope
• Directing is not limited to giving instructions & orders only. A
manager has to interpret & explain policies & procedures to
subordinates, solve their difficulties, etc. He has to be a friend,
guide & supervisor to them.
• Works as co-ordinator
• Directing involves getting work done from others which
involves a number of persons. So their efforts need to be co-
ordinated to achieve the goals of organization. Eg. Orchestra.
7. • Motivating Factor
• A manager has not only to issue instructions, guidance &
orders but has also to supervise. He not only supervises but
also motivates them to achieve organisational goals. In other
words, not punitive but positive methods are used.
• Managerial function
• It is a managerial function performed by different personnel
like managers, officers, supervisors, etc. at top & middle level
& implemented by workers, clerks, etc at the bottom level.
8. • Efficient communication
• To teach a subordinate, guide them & to bring him back from
wrong path, an efficient communication system is needed.
9. IMPORTANCE
• Provide consistency to the efforts of subordinates
• Evaluation of work & workers is made possible
• Helps in overcoming difficulties, barriers, conflicts &
obstruction
• Overall efficiency is improved
• Employees are motivated & their morale improves
• Planning becomes effective
• Directing makes organization dynamic
• Brings co-ordination in the efforts of different persons
11. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF
DIRECTING
• Harmony of Objectives : In the organization employees &
managers both have their own objectives. Employees have
objectives of getting maximum salary whereas managers
have objective of assuring maximum prosperity of the
company. Directing will succeed here only if there is harmony
of objectives between them. So the manager should see that
along with company’s goals, individual goals of employees
are also achieved.
• Unity of Command : A Subordinate should get orders &
instructions from one superior only. If he gets it from 2 bosses,
he will get confused, indiscipline, & there will be environment
of disorder & chaos.
12. • Communication of information : It is through
communication only that directing function is carried out. The
superior must communicate the guidance, instructions &
orders clearly to the subordinates so that they can carry them
out efficiently.
• Direct supervision : It is an important function of directing.
The nature of superior-subordinate relationship calls for direct
contact of superior with the subordinates in guiding them. It is
possible to know their problems only by remaining in touch.
13. • Proper Method of Directing : There are 3 methods of
directing viz democratic, autocratic & consultative. It is
necessary to select proper method. The most desirable
method is democratic method where he adopts participative
management.
• Effective Leadership : A manager who can correctly deal
with his subordinates can only guide & direct them. He should
know their qualities, nature & accordingly deal with them & try
to win their trust & confidence.
14. • Effective communication : an employee should properly
understand what he is required to do. So only orders &
instructions are not enough to be communicated but it is
necessary to ensure that they have understood it in proper
sense.
• Acceptance of human factor : The fact that human are
different from machines & are possessing ego, self-respect,
etc should be accepted by a manager. Whereas it is possible
to get work done through request, its useless to issue orders.
15. • Developing definite policies & procedures : At time clarity
of definite policies & procedures is very helpful for directing
• Follow up : Manager’s work does not end by giving orders &
instructions. He has to see whether employees are working
properly or not or what problems they are facing.
