CBSE Class 12 - Business Studies - Chapter 7 - Directing - Part -1 (Questions and Answers)(#class12BusinessStudies)(#Directing)(#eduvictors)

CBSE Class 12 - Business Studies - Chapter 7 - Directing - Part -1  (Questions and Answers)

Q1: Define the term 'Directing'?

Answer: Directing as a function of management, refers to the process of instructing, guiding, counselling, motivating and leading people in the organisation to achieve its objectives. It is the force which gives the life to the organisational structure.

Directing involves telling people what they need to do and at the same time ensuring that they do it in the best possible manner. It includes supervision, motivation, communication and leading.

According to Marshal E Dimock, an American Political Scientist, "Directing consists of the processes and techniques utilising in issuing instructions and making certain that operations are carried out as originally planned." 

Q2: What are the functions of Directing?

Answer:

① It guides and helps the subordinates to complete the given task properly and as per the schedule.

② It provides the necessary motivation to subordinates to complete the work satisfactorily and strive to do them best.

③  It helps in maintaining discipline and rewarding them who do well. 

④  Directing involves supervision, which is essential to make sure that work is performed according to the orders and instructions. 

Q3: Is directing one of the core function of management?

Answer: Yes.

Q4: Discuss three principles of directing.

Answer: The three principles of directing are:

a) Maximum Individual contribution:

According to this principle, directing must help every individual employee to contribute his Best towards the achievement of organizational goal.

b) Harmony of objectives: 

Directing must ensure that the individual goals of employees and that of organization do not conflict with each other. Directing must aim at bringing harmony among them.

c) Follow through: 

Managers must continuously review whether the instructions are being understood and followed by the employees or not.

Q5: What are the important features/characteristics of directing?

Answer: 

1. Directing initiates action:

Directing is a key managerial function. Planning, organising and staffing are passive functions. The other functions of management prepare a set-up base for action, but directing initiates action in the organisation.

2. Directing takes place at every level of Management (Pervasive):

Every manager from top executive to supervisor performs the function of directing. 

3. Directing is a continuous process.

Directing is a continuous process of supervision, communication, leadership and motivation. It continues throughout the life of the organisation.

4. Directing flows from top to bottom:

It is initiated at the top level and flows to the bottom through organisational hierarchy and flow of authority.

Q6: A nationalised Indian bank is going to introduce some major changes in accordance with directions of RBI. Workers under influence of Trade Union are showing resistance as they fear losing their job. Which function of management can remedy the situation?

Answer: Directing.

Q7: What is the importance of directing?

Answer: Directing is a key managerial function. It becomes an important factor in the efficient and effective functioning of the organisation. Following points emphasize the importance of directing:

1. Initiates Action

In order to achieve desired objectives, directing initiates action. The employees start working only when they get instructions and directions from their superiors. It is the directing function which starts actual work to convert plans into results.

2. Integrates Employee’s Efforts

All organisational activities are inter-related and require team effort and coordination. Directing integrates the activities of subordinates by supervision, guidance and counselling.

3. Motivates to get the best output

Directing guides employees to fully realise their potential and capabilities by motivating and providing effective leadership. It improves to improve the performances of employees.

4. Facilitates changes

Directing enables an organisation to adapt to changing conditions through better leadership and communication. Employees often resist changes due to fear of adverse effects on their employment and promotion. Directing facilitates adjustment in the organisation to cope with changes in the environment. It instills the spirit of cooperation and commitment among work force.

5. Provides stability and balance in the organisation

In order to survive and grow in the long run, an organisation must maintain balance in its different groups and departments. Directing helps to achieve balance between individual interests of employees and organisational interests.

6. Effective Utilization of Resources

By defining duties and responsibilities of each worker, manager ensures the resources like men, machine, materials, and money are utilised in proper ways. It helps in reducing costs and increasing profits.

Q8: What are the guiding principles of directing process?

Answer: Guiding principles of directing process are:

1. Maximum individual contribution

2. Harmony of objectives

3. Unity of Command

4. Appropriateness of Direction Technique

5. Managerial Communication

6. Use of Informal organisation

7. Leadership

8. Follow through

1. Maximum individual contribution

Directing strategies and techniques should help each individual in the business enterprise to make a contribution to his maximum capability for success of organisational objectives.

2. Harmony of objectives

The objectives of person and business enterprise must align abd should be in harmony with every each other.  Proper directing should provide harmony by convincing the personnel that organisational business objectives are in their personal interest.

3. Unity of Command

An employee or subordinate in a business enterprise must receive instructions from one superior only in order to avoid any confusion, conflict and chaos in the business enterprise. Subordinates reporting to multiple superiors could lead to conflicts in direction compromising accountability and efficiency.

4. Appropriateness of Direction Technique

Directing is more effective if it uses appropriate techniques like supervision, delegation of authority, motivation, issuing clear instructions. These techniques should be applied according to the attitude and need of the employees to achieve maximum results.

5. Managerial Communication

The two way flow of information is the most effective communication. It secures cooperation of the subordinates because it provides them an opportunity to express their feelings. Through proper feedback, the managers should ensure that subordinate understands his instructions clearly.

6. Use of Informal organisation

Managers should make use of informal groups so that the formal groups can be strengthened. It creates a sense of team-work and belongingness among subordinates and their managers.

7. Leadership

Managers should exercise good leadership as it can influence the subordinates positively without causing dissatisfaction among them.

8. Follow through

Mere giving of an order is not sufficient managers should follow it up by reviewing continuously.

👉 See Also

CH7: Directing (VSQ&A)
CH8: Controlling (Very Short Q & A)