You are on page 1of 9


Sherwin C. Mauricio

Directing is said to be a process in which the
managers instruct, guide and oversee the
performance of the workers to achieve
predetermined goals.
Directing is said to be the heart of
management process, planning, organizing,
staffing have got no importance if direction
function does not take place.
Directing involves determining the course,
giving orders and instructions and providing
dynamic leadership.

1. It is the function of the superior manager and
runs from top to down in the organization
structure. A subordinate has to receive
instructions for doing his job from his superior.
2. Direction implies issuing orders and instruction.
Besides issuing orders and instruction a superior
also guides and counsels his subordinates to do
his job properly.
3. The top management gives broad direction to
the middle level managers who in turn give
specific direction to the lower level management.
4. The four important aspects of directing are
supervision, motivation, leadership and
communication. All these functions are
interconnected and mutually dependent.

Employee Orientation: An employee must be properly oriented to
the enterprise in which they are working. This orientation is
necessary for them to accomplish the objectives of the enterprise.
Instructions: An instruction is an order or command by a senior
directing a subordinate to act or refrain from acting under a given
situation. The right to issue orders should be with the superior by
virtue of his position.
Supervision: In order to see that the work is done according to the
instructions the superior must observe the activities of the
subordinates. Supervision is done at all levels of management.
However, supervision is more important at lower levels.
Motivation: One of the most challenging problems for management
is to motivate people. Management has to induce the employee to
utilise his talent and skill to contribute to the organizational goal.

Direction integrates employees' efforts: The individual efforts needs to
be integrated so that the organisation achieves its objectives. No
organisational objective can be achieved without the function of direction.
Direction initiates action: It is through direction that the management
makes individuals function in a particular way to get organisational objectives.
Direction gets output from individuals: Every individual in the
organisation has some potentials and capabilities which can be properly
utilised through the function of direction.
Direction facilitates changes: To manage change management must
motivate individuals to accept these changes which can be accomplished
through motivation.

Continuing Function

Principle of leadership: Ability to lead effectively
is essential to effective direction.
Principle of informed communication: The
management should recognise and utilise informal
organisation constructively.
Principle of direct supervision: The manager
should supplement objective methods of
supervision and control with direct personal
supervision to ensure personal contact.
Principle of direct objectives: The manager
should communicate effectively and motivate the
subordinates for most effective performance.

Principle of harmony of objectives: The manager should guide the
subordinates so that their individual interest harmonizes with group interests.
Principle of unity of command: For most effective direction, subordinates
should be responsible to one superior.
Principle of managerial communication: The manager being the principle
medium of communication, should keep lines of communication open.
Principle of comprehension: The communication should ensure that the
recipients of the information actually comprehend it.
Principle of direct communication: The direct flow of information is most
effective for communications.