Directing

By Shusma ECE

DIRECTING

A basic management function that includes building an effective work climte and creating opportunity for motivation.

IMPORTANCE

Enterprise actually starts. Being the central character of enterprise, it provides 1.Directing or Direction function is said to be the heart of management of process and therefore, is the central point around which accomplishment of goals take place. 2.Some philosopher said it as “Life spark of an enterprise”. It is also called as on actuating function of management because it is through direction that the operation of an many benefits to a concern which are as follows:-

a). It Initiates Actions - Directions is the function which 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.

b).It 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. This can be done through persuasive leadership and effective communication. Integration of efforts bring effectiveness and stability in a concern.

Means of Motivation - Direction function helps in 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.

It Provides Stability - Stability and balance in concern becomes 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 growth of an enterprise. Therefore a manager can use of all the four traits in him so that performance standards can be maintained.

Coping up with the changes - It is a human behaviour that human beings show resistance to change. Adaptability with changing environment helps in sustaining planned growth and becoming a market leader. It is directing function which is of use to meet with changes in environment, both internal as external. Effective communication helps in coping up with the changes. It is the role of manager here to communicate the nature and contents of changes very clearly to the subordinates. This helps in clarifications, easy adaptions and smooth running of an enterprise. For example, if a concern shifts from handlooms to powerlooms, an important change in technique of production takes place. The resulting factors are less of manpower and more of machinery. This can be resisted by the subordinates. The manager here can explain that the change was in the benefit of the subordinates. Through more mechanization, production increases and thereby the profits. Indirectly, the subordinates are benefited out of that in form of higher remuneration.

Efficient Utilization of Resources - Direction finance helps in clarifying the role of every subordinate towards his work. The resources can be utilized properly only when less of wastages, duplication of efforts, overlapping of performances, etc. doesn’t take place. Through direction, the role of subordinates become clear as manager makes use of his supervisory, the guidance, the instructions and motivation skill to inspire the subordinates. This helps in maximum possible utilization of resources of men, machine, materials and money which helps in reducing costs and increasing profits.

From the above discussion, one can justify that direction, surely, is the heart of management process. Heart plays an important role in a human body as it serves the function pumping blood to all parts of body which makes the parts function. In the similar manner, direction helps the subordinates to perform in 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. 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”. Therefore, it is rightly said that direction is essence of management process.

PRINCIPLE

Direction is a complex function as it deals with people whose behavior is unpredictable. Effective direction is an art which a manager can learn and perfect through practice. However, managers can follow the following principles while directing their subordinates:
1. Harmony objectives: Individuals join the organisation to satisfy their physiological and psychological needs. They are expected to work for the achievement of organisational objectives. They will perform their tasks better if they feel that it will satisfy their personal goals. Therefore, management should reconcile the personal goals of employees with the organisational goals.
2. Maximum individual contribution: Organisational objectives are achieved at the optimum level when every individual in the organisation makes maximum contribution towards them. Managers should, therefore, try to elicit maximum possible contribution from each subordinate.
3.Unity of command: A subordinate should get orders and instructions from one superior only. If he is made accountable to two bosses simultaneously, there will be confusion, conflict, disorder and indiscipline in the organisation. Therefore, every subordinate should be asked to report to only one manager.
4.Appropriate techniques: The managers should use correct direction techniques to ensure efficiency of direction. The techniques used should be suitable to the superior, the subordinates and the situation.
5. Direct Supervision: Direction becomes more effective when there is a direct personal contact between a superior and his subordinates. Such direct contact improves the morale and commitment of employees.
 6. Strategic use of informal organisation:Management should try to understand and make use of informal groups to strengthen formal or official relationships. This will improve the effectiveness of direction.
7. Managerial communication: A good system of communication between the superior and his subordinates helps to improve mutual understanding. Upward communication enables a manager to understand the subordinates and gives an opportunity to the subordinates to express their feelings.
8. Comprehension:Communication of orders and instructions is not sufficient. Managers should ensure that subordinates correctly understand what they are to do and how and when they are to do. This will avoid unnecessary queries and explanations.
9. Effective leadership: Managers should act as leaders so that they can influence the activities of their subordinates without dissatisfying them. As leaders, they should guide and counsel subordinates in their personal problems too. In this way, they can win the confidence and trust of their subordinates.
10. Principle of follow through:Directing is a continuous process. Therefore, after issuing orders and instructions, a manager should find out whether the subordinates are working properly and what problems they are facing. He should modify, if necessary, his orders in the light of these findings.