Directing- Principles of Directing

 

Directing

Directing is the process of instructing, guiding, motivating and leading the people in an organization to achieve its objectives.

Features:-

●       Directing is an executing function of mgt.

●       It is performed at every level of mgt.

●       It is a continuous process and it continues throughout the life of the organization.

●       It initiates at the top level and follows to bottom through the hierarchy.

 

Importance:-

●       Initiation of action.

●       Integration of employees efforts.

●       Getting max out of individual.

●       Facilitating change in the organization.

●       Providing stability and balance in the organization.

 

Principles of  Directing:-

Directing is one of the most complex function of mgt, as it deals with people whose nature itself is quite complex. Therefore effective directing is an art which can be learned through long  experience.

Principle of Directing is divided into two parts.

●       Principles related to purpose of Directing.

●       Principles related to directing process.

(a)  Principle related to purpose of directing:-

It’s basic purpose is to get organizational objectives fulfilled through the integrated efforts of the people.

1. Principle of maximum individual contribution:-

 Organization objective are achieved at maximum level when every individual contributes maximum towards this end. Management should adopt that directing techniques which enables subordinate to contribute maximum.

2. Principle of harmony of objectives:-

 Mgt should try to integrate both organizational and individual objectives through appropriate directing techniques. In general common interest must prevail over individual interest.

3. Principle of efficiency of Directing:-

an effective directing tries to get work accomplished by individuals without affecting their need satisfaction adversely. To provide adequate satisfaction to individuals, it is necessary to develop relevant directing techniques like effective incentive system, appropriate leadership styles, and communication system.

 

(b)  Principles related to directing process:-

1. Principle of unity of command.

2. Principle of appropriateness of directing techniques:-

There are three directing techniques

• authoritarian
• consultative
• Free-rein

Each techniques has its own relative strength. In order to make directing effective,  these techniques should be used which is the most appropriate for the given situation, Depending on the nature of superior and subordinates and variables.

3. Principle of Managerial Communication:-

The success of organization depends on effective communication between superior and his subordinates. There should be effective communication system to ensure communication flow in both the direction (i.e. upward and downward).

4. Principle of comprehension:-

 It states that subordinate should know about what they have to do, how to do, and when it do comprehensively. There should be proper understanding of what has been conveyed by the superior to subordinates to get clear situation and avoid necessary essence and explanation.

  5. Principle to use of informal organization:-

In informal organization, information travels very quickly, though sometimes the information may be wrong. Mgt should try to understand, spot and make use of such informal organization for making directly more effective.

6. Principle of leadership:-

 Leadership is the process of influencing individual to work enthusiastically to achieve organizational goals. Thus; mangers need to become effective leaders so that they can influence the activities of their subordinates without dissatisfying them.

  7. Principle of follow through:-

Directing is a continuous managerial process. Mere giving an order is not sufficient but management should find out whether the subordinates are working accordingly,  what difficulties they are facing, and in the light of these, the order can be modified or replaced, if needed.