Business Studies · Class 12 Commerce
Ch 7Directing — Class 12 Business Studies, concept-first.
The opening case in the chapter (not reproduced here) makes a simple but powerful point: leadership is not optional for managers — it is essential. Every manager, at every level, must be able to lead. Business organisations have always valued managers who can guide others effectively.
Key concepts
Hover a concept to preview it and jump to its most relevant Q&A.
Informal Communication Definition
Imagine you're in a school corridor between classes. A friend whispers, "Did you hear? The maths teacher might take a leave next week." You turn around and tell another friend, who tells someone else.
Most relevant Q&A
Chapter contents
The NCERT structure, section by section. Open a section to see its questions, then read the concept-first solution.
Introduction
The opening case in the chapter (not reproduced here) makes a simple but powerful point: leadership is not optional for managers — it is essential.
Meaning
In everyday language, directing simply means giving instructions and guiding people to get work done. You see it all around you: a hotel owner telling staff what to do for a function, a teacher guidin…
Importance of Directing
Directing is not just one of the functions of management — it is the function that starts everything. Every instruction, every task, every movement of work in an organisation begins with directing.
Principles of Directing
Directing is a complex task because a manager deals with people from diverse backgrounds, each with their own expectations.
Elements of Direction
Directing is not a single action. It is a bundle of activities through which a manager guides, coaches, instructs, motivates and leads the people in an organisation towards its objectives.
Supervision
Supervision is one of the four key elements of directing (along with motivation, leadership, and communication). The term can be understood in two distinct ways.
Motivation
The case of Rashmi at the start of this chapter makes a crucial point: formal authority alone cannot extract the best work from employees.
Leadership
Leadership is the process of influencing the behaviour of people so that they strive voluntarily towards the achievement of organisational goals.
Communication
Communication is the thread that holds an organisation together. A manager may have immense professional knowledge and intelligence, but without the ability to communicate effectively with subordinate…
Key Terms
- Directing – The managerial function of instructing, guiding, counselling, motivating, and leading people in an organisation so that its objectives are achieved.
Summary
- Directing is the managerial function of guiding, supervising, motivating, and leading subordinates to achieve organisational goals.
Very Short Answer Questions
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- Q1What is informal communication?Free
- Q2Which style of leadership does not believe in use of power unless it is absolutely essential?Free
- Q3Which element in the communication process involves converting the message into words, symbols, gestures etc.?Preview
- Q4The workers always try to show their inability when any new work is given to them. They are always unwilling to take up any kind of work. Du…Preview
Short Answer Questions
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- Q1What are semantic barriers of communication?Free
- Q2Explain the process of motivation with the help of a diagram.Free
- Q3State the different networks of grapevine communications.Preview
- Q4Explain any three principles of Directing.Preview
- Q5In an organisation, one of the departmental manager is inflexible and once he takes a decision, he does not like to be contradicted. As a re…Preview
- Q6A reputed hostel, GyanPradan provides medical aid and free education to children of its employees. Which incentive is being highlighted here…Preview
Long Answer Questions
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- Q1Discuss Maslow's Need Hierarchy theory of motivation.Free
- Q2What are the common barriers to effective communication? Suggest measures to overcome them.Free
- Q3Explain different financial and non-financial incentives used to motivate employees of a company?Preview
- Q4In an organisation all the employees take things easy and are free to approach anyone for minor queries and problems. This has resulted in e…Preview
Sample & Board Papers
Sample papers and previous-year board questions for this subject.
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- Q1For taking the company out of losses, Ravi Kumar took over as the Managing Director of the struggling 'Vova Watch Company' in January 2020.…Preview
- Q2Akash Mehra is the Marketing Manager of 'Kedanta Enterprises'. He gives orders and expects his subordinates to obey those orders. Communicat…Preview
- Q3Statement I : Leadership indicates the ability of an individual which influences the behaviour of others. Statement II : Leadership is exerc…Preview
- Q4Balvinder is the Production Manager of 'Pramod Tea Company' in Guwahati. He gives orders to his subordinates and expects that they obey thos…Preview
- Q5Statement – I : Motivation is a complex process as individuals are heterogeneous in their expectations, perceptions and reactions. Statement…Preview
- Q6Atul was working as an employee in a readymade garments factory. He was very sincere and dedicated and always completed his work in time. It…Preview
- Q7The leadership style in which subordinates act according to the command given by the manager and the communication is one way, is known as :…Preview
- Q8(a) State any three measures to improve communication effectiveness. OR (b) State any three features of leadership.Preview
- Q9Pratap Singh is the Chief Executive Officer of Nissar Enterprises. It is an automobile parts manufacturing company. The enterprise has a fun…Preview
- Q10Handsen is the CEO of 'Newcastle Enterprises', one of the world's most successful companies. His success stories have been well documented.…Preview
- Q11Alka is working in the Accounts Department of 'Modern Locks Ltd'. Her mother is not well and to attend to her she wanted to take leave for o…Preview