SEMINAR

ON
DIRECTING: CONCEPTS,
ROLES, FUNCTIONS &
PRINCIPLES
.

Submitted on
 DIRECTING: CONCEPTS, ROLES, FUNCTIONS & PRINCIPLES

INTRODUCTION:

Directing is the heart of the management process. It is a key managerial function to be performed by
the manager along with planning, organizing, staffing and controlling. Directing refers to giving
instructions, guiding, and overseeing the performance of the staff in an organization to achieve the
organizational goals. Planning, organizing, staffing has got no importance, if direction does not take
place. Directing initiates action and it is from here actual work starts. In the field of management,
direction is said to be all those activities, which are designed to encourage the subordinates to work
effectively and efficiently. It is a continuous process initiated at top level and flows to the bottom
through organizational hierarchy.

DEFINITION:

 Direction is a complex function that includes all those activities which are designed to encourage
subordinates to work effectively and efficiently.
-Koontz and O'Donnell
 Directing is what to do and in what manner through dictating the procedures and policies for
accomplishing performance standards.
-Earnest Dale
 Directing consists of the process and techniques utilized in issuing instructions and making certain
that operations are carried out as originally planned.

-Theo Haimann

NATURE OF DIRECTION:

 Management Function:

Direction is a managerial function performed by all the managers or supervisors at all the levels of an
enterprise.

 Guiding Process:

Direction is not limited to the issuing of orders as well as instructions, but it also includes the process
of guiding and inspiring subordinates.
 Continuous Activity:

Direction is the continuous activity. It starts from planning function throughout and there is no end to
it, and directing function continues at all the levels of the management process till the end.

 Flow of Direction:

The flow of direction in an organization initiates from the top level to the bottom level.

 Wide Dimensions of Direction:

Direction has wide dimensions. It is not concerned with only issue of orders and instructions to the
subordinates. It also includes communication, motivation and supervision of subordinates.

 Readily Acceptable:

Direction should be such, which is readily acceptable to the subordinates. It should be both oral and
written keeping in view, the time factor and the capability of subordinates.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DIRECTION:

The main characteristics of the directing function are as follows:

 Pervasive Function:

Directing is required at all levels of organization. Every manager provides guidance and inspiration to
his subordinates.

 Continuous Activity:

Directing is a continuous activity as it continues throughout the life of an organization. The managers
have to give direction to his subordinates, guide and motivate them continuously so that the desired
goals can be achieved.

 Human Factor:

Directing function is related with human beings. It is related to guiding and inspiring subordinates.
Since human factor is complex and behavior is unpredictable, direction function becomes important.

 Creative activity:
Directing function helps in converting plans into performance. A manager needs to have a creative and
innovative thinking so that he can guide and motivate his subordinates in such a way, that it leads to
realization of organizational objectives. Without directing, employees become inactive and physical
resources remain unutilized.

 Executive Function:

Directing is an executive function. The guidance and instructions are given by all managers and
executive at all levels throughout the working of an organization. A subordinate always gets
instructions from his superior only.

 Delegate function:

Direction is supposed to be a function dealing with human beings. Human behavior is unpredictable
by nature and conditioning the people's behavior towards the goals of the enterprise is what the
executive does in this function. Therefore, it is termed as having delicacy in it to tackle human
behavior.

CONCEPTS OF DIRECTING:

 Direction consists of the process and techniques utilizing in issuing instruction and making certain
operations that are carried out as originally planned.
 Direction is a complex function that includes all those activities which are designed to encourage
subordinates to work effectively and efficiently in both short and long run.
 Direction is telling people what to do and seeing that they do it to the best of their ability.
 Direction deals with the steps a manager takes to get subordinates and others to carry out plans.
 Direction provides link between different functions in an organization.

IMPORTANCE OF DIRECTING:

Directing function is said to be the heart of the management process and therefore, is the central point
around which accomplishment of goals taken place. A few philosophers call direction as "Life spark of
an enterprise", which sets the organizational machine into motion. Direction function is important
because of the following reasons:

 Direction initiates action:

Direction motivates individuals in the organization to function in the desired way to achieve
organizational objectives. In the absence of direction no one can understand what he is supposed to do
and whether he is doing it in the right way or not.

 Direction integrates employee’s efforts:

Through direction, the superiors guide, inspire and instruct the subordinates to work so that
organizational goals can be achieved. For this, efforts of every individual are required and need to be
integrated with others, so that organization achieves its objectives in the most efficient manner. This is
possible only through direction.

 Direction provides stability and balance to the organization:

Direction through effective motivation, communication, strict supervision and judicious blend of
persuasive leadership, provides stability to the organization and helps in maintaining balance between
different departments in the organization. Hence the organization can function efficiently and
effectively over a long period of time.

 Effective Utilization of Resources:

Direction helps in clarifying the role of every subordinate towards their work. The resources can be
utilized properly only when lack of wastages, duplication of efforts, overlapping of performance etc.
does not take place. Through direction, the role of subordinates become clear as manager make use of
his supervisory, the guidance, the instructions, and motivation skill to inspire the subordinates. This
helps in maximum possible utilization of resources like men, machine, materials and money which
helps in reducing costs and increasing profits.

 Direction helps to cope up with the changes:

Directing function helps to meet with changes in environment both internal and external. Effective
communication helps in coping up with the changes. It is the role of the manager to communicate the
nature and contents of changes very clearly to subordinates. This helps in clarifications, easy adoptions
and smooth running of an organization.

 Means of motivation:

Directing function helps in achievement of goals. A manager makes use of the element of motivation
here to improve the performance 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.

PRINCIPLES OF DIRECTING:

The manager has to follow some principles while directing their subordinates. They are:

 Harmony of objectives:

Individuals join the organization to satisfy their physiological and psychological needs. They are
expected to work for the achievements of organizational 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 organizational goals.

 Maximum individual contribution:

Organizational objectives are achieved at the optimum level when every individual in the organization
makes maximum contribution towards them. Managers should, therefore, try to elicit maximum
possible contribution from each sub ordinate.

 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
organization. Therefore, every subordinate should be asked to report to only one manager.

 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. The Techniques that are
normally used are consultative, free – rein and autocratic. Only efficient direction can lead to
accomplishment of goals.

 Direct supervision:
Direction becomes more effective when there is a direct personal contact between a superior and his
sub ordinates. Such direct contact improves the morale and commitment of employees. Therefore,
wherever possible direct supervision should be used.

 Strategic use of informal organization:

Management should try to understand and make use of informal groups to strengthen formal or official
relationships. Through this informal groups, information travels very quickly. This will improve the
effectiveness of direction.

 Effective communication:

The success of the organization depends upon effective communication. It involves two way process
i.e. from the superior to the subordinates and from the subordinates to superiors which improves
mutual understanding. Upward communication enables the manager to understand the subordinates
and gives an opportunity to the subordinates to express their feelings.

 Comprehension:

Communication of orders and instructions is not sufficient. Managers should ensure that subordinates
correctly understand what they should do and how and when they should do. This will avoid
unnecessary explanations.

 Effective Leadership:

Managers should act as leaders so that they can influence the activities of their subordinates and
coordinate them to achieve the organizational goals without dissatisfying them. As leaders, they
should guide and council subordinates in their personal problems too. In this way they can win the
confidence and trust of their subordinates.

 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 the problems they are facing. He should
modify his orders if necessary in the light of these findings.

ELEMENTS OF DIRECTING:

Mainly there are four elements in directing:

 1. Supervision
2. Motivation
3. Leadership
4. Communication

 Supervision:
 Supervision refers to the guidance and control of subordinates in the performance of their
tasks.
 Supervision is an important part of direction function of management.
 Supervision assures that the work is being done in accordance with the plans and instructions.
 It helps the subordinates in solving their work-related problems.
 Effective supervision ensures greater output of high quality.
 It assists subordinates the way and their tasks are to be performed.
 The function of supervision is performed at all levels of management, but it is of great
importance at the operational level i.e., at the level of first line supervisor. Managers at this
level devote maximum time in supervising the work of subordinates. Though the top or middle
level managers also supervise the work of their subordinate managers, but it is the first line
supervisors who are in direct and constant touch with operatives i.e., workers in the factory and
clerical staff in the office. Thus, they are directly responsible for getting the work done through
most of the employees in an organization.

 Motivation:
 Motivation is an act of stimulating individuals to get a desired course of action.
 Motivation activates individual's action for the achievement of organizational goals.
 Motivation stimulates to act. Higher motivation leads to job satisfaction of employees and
makes them committed to the organization.
 It energizes individuals to work more.
 A successful manager can motivate employees properly to work harmoniously for the
attainment of organizational goal.
 A manager motivates subordinates to follow his/her instructions and work accordingly in the
given direction.

 Leadership:
  Leadership is an important element of the directing process (i.e. to lead and guide the activities
of subordinates).
 Leadership is the process of influencing the behavior of subordinates to work willingly for the
achievement of the organizational goal.
 Managers, at all levels, act as leaders because they have subordinates who follow them.

 The success of an organization depends to a great extent on the quality of leadership.

 A successful leader can influence people to act willingly with confidence and zeal for mutual
benefits.
 A leader guides and educates his/her subordinates, the way of doing a given job.

 Communication:
 Communication is an act conveying information from one person to another.
 Communication refers to the exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions, knowledge and
information between two or more persons.
 Communication is an important element of directing process.
 A manager tells his/her subordinates, what to do, how to do and when to do?
 He issues orders and instructions to his/her subordinates regarding the work being performed
by them.
 He/ She guides and educates subordinates, the way of performing a given job.
 This is achieved by the process of communication.
 The success of business depends upon the effectiveness of communication.
 Communication facilitates to directing function by providing proper interaction between
managers and their subordinates.
 It improves superior-subordinates relationship by providing opportunities to employees for
express their opinions and viewpoints.

ROLES OF DIRECTING:

 Direction initiates actions to achieve desired outcomes in an organization.

 Direction attempts to integrate employees' effort by identifying their capabilities.
 Direction facilitates changes in the organization and keeps the elements such as supervision,
motivation, leadership, and communication effective.
 Direction ensures that every employee works for organizational goals.
 Direction tries to get the best from the employees. It provides a way to channelize the efforts and
utilize their capabilities.
 It increases efficiency and effectiveness in the organizational functioning.

FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTING:

The main functions of directing are:

 Issuing of Order and Instruction:

The first function of direction is the issuing of orders and instructions by the superiors to the
subordinates for getting the work done in the desired manner.

 Guiding the subordinates:

Another important function of direction is guiding the subordinates. The subordinates have to be
guided to the proper method of work.

 Supervision:

Supervision is an important component of direction. Supervision implies overseeing the work of

subordinates to ensure that the performance of the subordinates conforms to plans and contributes to
the attainment of the organizational goal.

 Leadership:

Leadership influences the work of subordinates. Appropriate and inspiring leadership alone can
influence the subordinates to better their performances.

 Motivation:

Motivation creates in men through directing, which is the willingness to work whole-heartedly for
attaining objectives.

 Maintenance of Discipline:

Discipline is an important element of direction. Proper discipline has to be maintained in the

organization for the orderly behavior of the employees.
 Communication:

Communication is the core of direction. It is through the communication network that a manager
instructs his/her subordinates as what they should do and how they should do it.

 Coordination:

Direction implies coordination; therefore coordination is one of the important functions of direction.

TECHNIQUES OF DIRECTING:

There are mainly three techniques in directing:

1. Consultative direction
2. Free-rein direction
3. Autocratic direction

 Consultative direction:

Under this method, the executive takes a decision and issues a direction only after consulting his
subordinates regarding the feasibility and workability of a solution. One advantage of this method is
that as the subordinate has also been consulted, his full cooperation and enthusiasm can be secured.

 Free-rein direction:

Under this method, the subordinate is encouraged and enabled to show his own initiative and give
independent thought to the solution of the problem. The manager assigns the task in general terms and
not in a specific way. The subordinates must take the initiative and find a solution to the task assigned
and carry it out. This technique of direction may be profitably used only if the subordinate is highly
educated, efficient and sincere.

 Autocratic direction:

Under this method, subordinates are not allowed to take any initiative in solving the problem.

SUMMARY:

 Direction is a complex function that includes all those activities which are designed to encourage
subordinates to work effectively and efficiently in both short and long run.
 Directing is the heart of the management process.
 Directing is a continuous process that follows various principles.
 The main elements of directing are supervision, motivation, leadership, and communication.
 Direction initiates actions to achieve desired outcomes in an organization.
 The three main techniques of directing are Consultative direction, Free-rein direction and
Autocratic direction.

CONCLUSION:

Direction means giving the order to start the operation for the implementation of a policy or plan. It is
the managerial effort that is applied for guiding and inspiring the working team to make better
accomplishments in the organization. So it includes the necessary guidance and instructions for
carrying out the order given, and the removal of any doubts or difficulties, which may arise in the
course of execution or implementation.

THEORY APPLICATION:

GENERAL SYSTEM THEORY

 System theory is the interdisciplinary study of system. A system is a conglomeration of

interrelated and interdependent parts that is either natural or manmade.
 Every system is delineated by its spatial and temporal boundaries, surrounded and influenced by
its environment, described by its structure and purpose or nature and expressed in its functioning.
In terms of its effects, a system can be more than the sum of its part if it expresses synergy or
emergent behavior.
 Changing one part of the system usually affects other parts and the whole system with predictable
patterns of behavior.
 For system that is self learning and self adapting, the positive growth and adaptation depend upon
how well the system is adjusted with the environment.
 Some system function mainly to support other systems by aiding in the maintenance of the other
system to prevent failure.
 The goal of system theory is systematically discovering a system dynamics, constraints, condition
and elucidating principles (purpose, measure, methods, tools etc) that can be discerned and
 applied to systems at every level of nesting and in every field for achieving optimized
equifinality.

I have applied General System Theory by Ludwig Von Bertalanffy (1969), which was explained by
Putt AM (1978)

Input Throughput Output

To achieve the objectives of Communication, leadership, Initiates actions to get desired

the organization supervision and motivation result in the organization

Feedback

JOURNAL REFERENCE:

Directing Function of Curriculum Implementation on Leadership Training Level IV in Human

Resources Development

- Suriya Jaya

Abstract: This research aims is to find directing function in Curriculum Implementation of Leadership
Training Level IV at BPSDM Provsu. This research uses qualitative naturalistic methods. Data
collection techniques used interview techniques, observation, document studies, data analysis using
interactive data model analysis Miles and Huberman ie data reduction, data presentation, conclusion
drawing. The research found: First, directing function in curriculum implementation is done at
institutional stage and class stage. Second, the directing function of the institutional stage by the
structural officials is delivered in the preparatory meeting of the curriculum implementation by the
Head of BPSDM with other structural officials, functional officials, administrative staff of BPSDM, in
the opening of the training, on program direction by echelon III officials. Third, the directing function
of the classroom stage is carried out by the participants in the face-to-face teaching and learning
activities in the classroom (on campus), indirect face-to-face learning: taking of ownership/
breakthrough I and breakthrough II, and the Self Mastery and bench marking activities to best practice
(off campus).

REFERENCES:

1. Clement N. Essentials of management of nursing service and education. First edition. New
delhi: Jaypee brothers medical publishers; 2016. PP: 109 – 115.
2. Suneetha M. Management of nursing services and Education. Second edition. Hyderabad:
Frontline publications; 2016. PP: 122 – 26, 292 – 3.
3. Raj E.B. Management of Nursing services and Education. Third edition. Bangalore: EMMESS
medical publishers; 2017. PP: 71 – 4, 147 – 48.
4. Vati J. Principles and practice of Nursing management and administration. Second edition.
New delhi: Jaypee brothers medical publishers; 2020. PP: 373 – 6.
5. Basavanthappa T. Nursing Administration. First edition. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical
publishers; 2017. PP: 109 - 112.
6. Venkataraman A. Newer trends in Management of Nursing services and Education. First
edition. NewDelhi: Japee brothers medical publishers; 2017. PP: 149 - 56.
7. https://www.scribd.com/Directing.