Directing is a process in which the managers instruct, guide, and oversee the performance of the subordinates to achieve predetermined goals. Directing is said to be the heart of the management process. Planning, organizing, staffing has got no importance if directing is not suitable.
Directing initiates action and is said to be consisting of human factors. In simple words, it can be described as providing guidance to the team in doing work. In the field of management, the direction is said to be all those activities that are designed to encourage the subordinates to work effectively and efficiently.
Why is directing essential?
Directing is important to strengthen the operational capability of the organization. Directing is a bridge between the operational needs and the human requirements of its employees. Since directing aims to improve productivity, you are strengthening how well the organization succeeds. Research has pointed out how important human-focused management is in today’s organization. When objectives are approached from a human perspective that aims to ensure people’s opinions are listened to, the goals are met faster than in task-oriented environments. The management’s ability to listen to the workforce, support, and inspire them will boost the productivity and profitability of the organization.
Scope of direction
(i) Supervision: Supervision is concerned with overseeing the subordinates at work and is done at all levels of management. It refers to the direct and immediate guidance and control of subordinates in the performance of their task. It is concerned with seeing that the subordinates are working according to plan, policy, program, instruction, and keeping up the time schedule. Supervision is inevitable at every level of management for putting the managerial plans and policies into action. It can be compared to the key that keeps the managerial train into motion.
(ii) Communication: It is the process of telling, listening, understanding, or passing information from one person to another. A manager has always to tell the subordinates what they are required to do, how to do it, and when to do it. He has to create an understanding in the minds of the people at work. An organization can’t operate successfully without an effective system of communication. The process of communication can be carried through different Media’s viz., telephone, intercom system, issuing letters and messengers, etc.
(iii) Leadership: It can be defined as the process by which a manager guides and influences the work of his subordinates. It is concerned with influencing people for the achievement of common goals. An executive, as an effective leader, should consult his subordinates before starting any line of action to ensure their voluntary cooperation. The manager as a leader acts as a dynamo which charges a battery.
(iv) Motivation: Employees come forward to work in any enterprise in order to satisfy their needs. Past experience reveals that in most cases they do not contribute towards the organizational goals (as much as they can) because they are not adequately motivated. Motivation relates to a conscious attempt made by the executive to influence the direction and role of individual and group behaviors. A manager should understand the process of human-behavior while performing his managerial function of directing and leading. He can get things done through other people willingly by motivation. Motivation inspires the subordinates to work with zeal, willingness, and initiative to achieve enterprise goals. It promotes teamwork. It can tap the human potential in the best possible manner.
(v) Commanding: Commanding refers to setting the business going to get the desired optimum results from the subordinates. Fayol conceived the function of command as the ‘operation of the organization.’ He emphasized that the managers must possess the requisite personal qualities and knowledge of the principles of management.