Principles of Directing
Directing is one of the essential functions of management. It is a means of giving guidance and instructions to employees toward achieving the goals and objectives of the organization.
Here, we will discuss the principles of directing which are a must for effective directing in the organization and achieving organizational goals as effectively and efficiently as possible. The followings are the eight key directing principles.
Harmony of Objectives
In the world of business, conflicts can arise between a company’s objectives and those of its employees. For instance, while the organization aims to maximize profits and market share, employees may desire fair recognition for their hard work.
This is where the art of directing plays a crucial role, creating harmony between the two sets of goals. The key principle is to align individual objectives with the organization’s overall vision. When employees feel their personal aspirations are acknowledged, they become more motivated and satisfied, leading to better performance.
By nurturing an environment that respects both organizational and personal goals, a manager can ensure a high level of coordination and reduce conflicts. This balanced approach propels the company towards greater success.
Unity of Command Principle
The Unity of Command principle in directing emphasizes that subordinates should receive instructions from only one superior at a time. This avoids confusion, conflicts, and disorder within the organization, allowing subordinates to prioritize their work efficiently.
Another vital aspect of this principle is avoiding dual subordination, where subordinates report to multiple superiors. Dual subordination leads to chaos, and confusion, and undermines authority, causing instability. Instead, subordinates should only report to a single superior.
Adhering to this principle of directing ensures clear communication and reduces conflicts between superiors and subordinates. Employees following the Unity of Command principle receive guidance from a single boss, preventing confusion and dilemmas arising from multiple sources of direction.
Related: 12 Importance of Directing Function of Management
Maximum Individual Contribution
The Maximum Individual Contribution principle in directing focuses on motivating employees to give their best effort toward achieving organizational goals. Managers must adopt directing policies that maximize individual potential, fostering an environment where subordinates feel encouraged to contribute at their fullest.
To unleash employees’ full potential, effective directing techniques are employed, ensuring they realize their capabilities and actively participate in accomplishing tasks. This principle stresses the importance of creating a work atmosphere that inspires employees to perform at their best.
To achieve optimal results, managers can implement various strategies, including offering both financial and non-financial incentives, aligning employees’ personal goals with organizational objectives, and fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation.
The key lies in influencing and motivating employees, nurturing an environment where their contributions are valued, and encouraging them to be proactive participants in organizational endeavors.
Effective Communication
The Effective Communication principle of directing function emphasizes the importance of clear and comprehensible instructions to employees. It ensures that the intended message is conveyed accurately, fostering good relations between management and staff, and preventing conflicts that might disrupt the organization’s functioning.
In the directing function of management, communication holds a key role in building a harmonious relationship between superiors and subordinates. Transmitting the intended message accurately is vital as any alteration or misunderstanding can lead to undesirable outcomes.
To achieve desired results, employees must grasp the intended message and understand the actions or decisions they need to take. Establishing a two-way communication channel between superiors and subordinates facilitates information flow, strengthens bonds, and fosters positive relationships within the organization.
Use of Appropriate Direction Technique
The Use of Appropriate Direction Technique principle in management highlights the significance of employing suitable methods to supervise, lead, communicate, and motivate employees. Managers must consider individual needs, capabilities, attitudes, and situational variables when applying direction techniques to ensure efficient outcomes.
Related: Diversity in the Workplace
Selecting appropriate direction techniques is crucial for both superiors and subordinates, as well as overall organizational efficiency. Different employees possess diverse skills, abilities, and knowledge, making it essential to tailor direction accordingly.
Managers are encouraged to choose techniques that best match their employees’ specific requirements and capacities, ensuring a better fit and heightened effectiveness in directing. This principle recognizes the importance of understanding individual differences and organizational context in order to enhance overall performance.
Use of Informal Organization
This principle of directing function of management acknowledges the existence of informal groups within formal organizations. Managers should identify these groups and leverage them to facilitate information exchange. A seamless flow of information between seniors and subordinates is vital for organizational growth.
By harnessing informal groups, managers can strengthen formal ones. However, it’s essential to recognize that informal groups may have their own goals and perspectives, potentially creating challenges when implementing new direction techniques. To address this, managers should consider the concerns of informal groups during the introduction of new practices.
Effective communication channels bridging formal and informal organizations are crucial. By giving attention to informal groups, managers can tap into their influence and augment the overall strength of the formal organization.
Use of Effective Leadership Style
This principle highlights the significance of managers possessing strong leadership qualities to influence and guide subordinates effectively. Leadership is the process of influencing group members in the work environment, but there is no universal leadership style suitable for all situations. The appropriate style varies with each circumstance.
Related: Styles of Management
Managers must adopt a leadership style that aligns with the specific situation, organization size, and nature. Being an effective leader means influencing the behavior of subordinates and team members to push themselves further toward achieving organizational goals.
The principle of leadership in the directing function of management underscores the importance of managers employing appropriate leadership practices tailored to the given situation to lead and motivate their subordinates effectively.
Follow Through
The Follow Through principle in directing emphasizes continuous monitoring of policies, procedures, and instructions’ implementation by subordinates. Managers must provide ongoing supervision, advice, and assistance, enabling necessary modifications to enhance management activities.
Directing is a perpetual process that requires constant feedback to ensure effective performance. This principle highlights the importance of regularly evaluating subordinates’ performance after providing guidance and instructions.
Active oversight is crucial as it allows managers to identify and address any issues promptly. By continuously tracking employee performance, managers can ensure work progresses in the desired direction.
The Follow Through principle is the last among the eight directing principles, recognizing its significance in maintaining organizational efficiency.
Read Next: Planning Function
By profession, Sujan Chaudhary is a BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) graduate, and by passion a blogger. He loves to share his business knowledge with the rest of the world. While not writing, he will be found reading and exploring the world.