Directing in Management

Directing in Management

Introduction

·       Directing is the managerial function that involves guiding, leading, supervising, and motivating subordinates to achieve organizational goals effectively and efficiently.

·       Koontz & O’Donnell: "Directing is the inter-personal aspect of managing by which subordinates are led to understand and contribute effectively and efficiently to the attainment of enterprise objectives."

Importance of Directing

Directing is crucial in healthcare and other sectors because it ensures that plans are translated into actions. Its importance includes:

·       Initiates Action: Directing puts plans into action and sets the process in motion.

·       Motivates Employees: Encourages employees to give their best performance.

·       Ensures Coordination: Harmonizes individual efforts towards organizational goals.

·       Improves Efficiency: Promotes better use of resources and time.

·       Builds Team Spirit: Helps build cooperation and teamwork.

·       Facilitates Change: Assists in adapting to new processes, technologies, or policies.

·       Enhances Communication: Promotes two-way communication between staff and management.

·       Essential in Healthcare Settings: Ensures timely patient care, discipline, and quality control.

Features of Directing

·       Continuous Process: Directing is ongoing throughout the management process.

·       Pervasive Function: It is required at all levels of management.

·       Executive Function: Only managers can perform this function.

·       Goal-Oriented: Focuses on achieving the organizational objectives.

·       Human-Centric: Deals directly with people – motivating, leading, and communicating.

·       Creative Function: Requires innovation in motivating and leading teams.

·       Based on Communication: Effective directing relies heavily on clear, two-way communication.

Principles of Directing

Principle	Explanation
Harmony of Objectives	Aligning individual goals with organizational goals.
Unity of Command	Every subordinate should receive orders from one superior only.
Appropriate Supervision	Use of suitable leadership style and control based on situation.
Use of Informal Organization	Managers should utilize informal channels for quick communication.
Motivation	Adequate rewards and recognition to boost morale and productivity.
Leadership	Ability to influence and inspire employees to perform.
Effective Communication	Ensures mutual understanding and clarity of tasks and goals.
Follow-Up	Monitoring and providing feedback to ensure directions are followed.

Models/Styles of Directing (Managerial Models)

A. Autocratic Model

• Focus: Power-based, boss-centered.
• Assumption: Employees are to be directed and controlled.
• Management Style: Strict, no employee input, central decision-making.
• Advantage: Fast decisions, useful in emergencies (e.g., ICU, emergencies).
• Limitation: Low morale, resistance, poor innovation.

B. Custodial Model

• Focus: Economic security.
• Assumption: Employees are loyal in exchange for benefits (job security, perks).
• Management Style: Employee welfare is the focus, but limited motivation.
• Advantage: Reduces dissatisfaction, builds loyalty.
• Limitation: Employees become passive, not self-motivated.

C. Supportive Model

• Focus: Leadership and employee participation.
• Assumption: Employees are self-motivated and seek responsibility.
• Management Style: Manager supports employees in achieving goals.
• Advantage: High motivation, job satisfaction.
• Limitation: Requires skilled leaders, not suitable for all settings.

D. Collegial Model

• Focus: Partnership and teamwork.
• Assumption: Employees are responsible and work best in a team environment.
• Management Style: Shared goals, mutual respect, self-discipline.
• Advantage: Promotes creativity, self-direction, collaboration.
• Limitation: Time-consuming, not effective under strict hierarchy.

Comparison Table of Models of Directing

Model	Control Base	Employee Orientation	Manager’s Role	Employee Response
Autocratic	Power	Obedience	Boss	Dependence, resistance
Custodial	Economic Resources	Security & Benefits	Provider	Passive cooperation
Supportive	Leadership	Job Performance	Coach/Leader	Participation, motivation
Collegial	Partnership	Responsibility	Collaborator	Self-discipline, teamwork

Application in Hospitals

• Autocratic: Suitable during code blue situations, surgeries, or emergency response.
• Custodial: Used in large hospitals offering staff welfare programs.
• Supportive: Encouraged in departments like nursing, quality control.
• Collegial: Effective in administrative meetings, committees, and inter-departmental collaboration.

Video Description

·        Don’t forget to do these things if you get benefitted from this article

·        Visit our Let’s contribute page https://keedainformation.blogspot.com/p/lets-contribute.html

·        Follow our page

·        Like & comment on our post

·