Directing
What is Directing?
Directing or Direction function is said to be the heart of the management of the process and therefore, is the central point around which the accomplishment of goals take place. It is a continuous managerial process that goes on throughout the life of the organization.
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”.
The main characteristics of Directing are as follows:
1-Initiates Action
A directing function is performed by the managers along with planning, staffing, organizing and controlling in order to discharge their duties in the organization. While other functions prepare a platform for action, directing initiates action.
2-Pervasive Function
Directing takes place at every level of the organization. Wherever there is a superior-subordinate relationship, directing exists as every manager provides guidance and inspiration to his subordinates.
3-Continuous Activity
It is a continuous function as it continues throughout the life of an organization irrespective of the changes in the managers or employees.
4-Descending Order of Hierarchy
Directing flows from a top-level of management to the bottom level. Every manager exercises this function on his immediate subordinate.
5-Human Factor
Since all employees are different and behave differently in different situations, it becomes important for the managers to tackle the situations appropriately. Thus, directing is a significant function that gets the work done by the employees and increases the growth of the organization.
Importance of Directing Function
Directing or Direction function is said to be the heart of the management of the process and therefore, is the central point around which the accomplishment of goals take place. It is also called on actuating function of management because it is through the 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-
Initiates Actions
Directions is the function that 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.
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.
Means of Motivation
Direction function helps in the 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.
Provides Stability
Stability and balance in concern become 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 the growth of an enterprise.
Direction, surely, is the heart of the management process. The heart plays an important role in the human body as it serves the function of pumping blood to all parts of the body which makes the parts function. In a similar manner, direction helps the subordinates to perform to the 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.
