Learn, Explain The Importance of Directing in an Organization!
Directing is also the main function of management, Directing not only initiates all the actions in an organization but also integrates efforts of the people for achieving the organizational goals. Under directing, managers not only instruct the workers regarding what they have to do, when they have to do or how they have to do, but they also see to it that their instructions are followed in the right way by the workers. Also learned, The Importance of Directing in an Organization!
The following points emphasize the importance of directing:
Initiates Actions:
It helps in initiating actions of people towards achieving organizational goals. Other functions preceding directing planning, organizing, staffing etc. aim really at the creation of desired environment and resources. Actual actions are initiated only when managers direct their subordinates.
The employees in an organization start working when they get instructions from their superiors. Thus, directing function guides and motivates selected employees to commence their work by following the instructions.
Integrates Employee’s Efforts:
Directing ensures integration of employees’ efforts towards attainment of organizational goals. In any organization, the jobs of subordinates are usually interrelated and performance of each individual is affected by the performance of others. Through directing, management directs the subordinates regarding what, when and how they should do the planned work so that desired results may be achieved.
Directing coordinates and integrates the efforts of employees working at different levels and in different job positions through supervision. Resultantly, effectiveness and efficiency follow and the planned results are easily achieved.
Means of Motivation:
Through motivation and effective leadership, directing helps the employees to realize their full potential. Motivation is the force that drives a person to action. In the context of business, it means inspiring workers to perform tasks that lead to goal accomplishment. Subordinates follow instructions if they are able and willing to do so. Motivation creates the willingness to perform tasks that lead to the accomplishment of goals.
Facilitates Changes:
To cope up with the changes in the business environment, directing function guides, initiates and motivates employees in such a manner that helps them to accept the changes willingly. Thus, changes can be incorporated and implemented through directing. For example, a company wants to computerize its accounting system but the employees hesitate to accept it, as they are unable to handle the computers.
Through directing function, employees are advised that they will be trained appropriately to use different software for accounting. Thus, they will find computers to be useful not only for the organization but also for themselves. This is how through proper guidance, they become self-motivated and happily accept the changes.
Balance in the Organisation:
Directing helps in establishing cooperation and commitment among the people. Thus it helps to bring stability and balance to the organization. Individual objectives of employees should not clash with the organizational objectives. Directing function instructs, guides, supervises and inspires the employees in such a manner that enables them to maintain the balance between individual goals and organizational goals.
For example, a Sales Manager is of the opinion that the price of a product be reduced so that more orders can be generated whereas. General Manager feels that by reducing the price, total profit will be reduced. In such a situation, directing function may try to balance both the opinions by instructing and guiding say the Sales Manager to find out other ways of increasing sales. Related question – Directing: Meaning, Definition, Nature, and Importance!
