Directing

Planning sets the goal, organizing builds the structure, and staffing fills it with people — but none of this produces results until people are actually guided, instructed and inspired to perform. This is the role of Directing, the function that initiates action and keeps the human element of the organisation moving toward its objectives.

Meaning

Directing is the management function that instructs, guides, supervises and motivates the workforce, and communicates with employees to ensure that they perform their jobs efficiently and willingly, in line with organisational goals. Unlike planning and organizing, which largely happen before work begins, directing takes place while work is actually in progress.

Features of Directing

• Directing initiates action. It is the function that gets employees to start working toward the plan; without it, plans and structures remain on paper.
• Directing takes place at every level of management. Every manager, from the top to the supervisory level, directs the people working under them.
• It flows from top to bottom. Direction typically originates with senior management and flows down through the hierarchy to those actually executing the work.
• Directing is a continuous activity. It is carried out throughout the life of the organisation, not just at the start of a project.
• Directing deals with human factors. Since it involves guiding people, directing must consider individual differences in attitude, skill and motivation.

Importance of Directing

Directing initiates action by employees toward achieving organisational goals, converting plans into actual performance. It integrates employees' efforts in such a way that every individual's effort contributes to the common organisational goal, preventing wasted or conflicting effort. Good directing improves efficiency, since motivated, well-supervised and well-communicated-with employees tend to perform better. Directing helps bring about stability and balance in the organisation, since consistent guidance and support build trust between superiors and subordinates. It also facilitates change, as effective communication and motivation help employees accept and adapt to changes in methods, technology or organisational structure rather than resist them.

The Four Elements of Directing

Supervision refers to overseeing the work of subordinates by a superior, to ensure that employees are working as instructed, and to guide and correct them where necessary. A good supervisor keeps a close, ongoing check on the quality and progress of work.

Motivation refers to the process of stimulating and inspiring employees to willingly work towards achieving organisational objectives, by satisfying their needs and wants — whether financial (pay, bonus, incentives) or non-financial (recognition, job security, growth opportunities). A motivated employee puts in effort beyond the bare minimum required. …