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Principles of Directing
To ensure success in the workplace, it is crucial to effectively guide all the collective efforts of an organization toward achieving common goals. Understanding and implementing certain principles is key to directing the organization in the right direction and increasing the likelihood of your plans and strategies aligning with your expectations.
Here are eight principles of directing function of management that are worth considering for effective direction, that will allow you to coordinate all elements of your organization toward success.
Harmonization of Objectives
The principle of harmonization of objectives in directing emphasizes the importance of aligning the goals of an organization with the individual goals of its employees. It recognizes that everyone has personal aspirations and that they join the organization to fulfill those aspirations.
When employees feel that their personal goals are acknowledged and respected, they are more motivated and satisfied in their work. This principle encourages leaders to consider the interests of their employees while pursuing organizational objectives, ensuring a harmonious balance.
By creating an environment where both organizational and personal goals are taken into account, employees are more likely to perform at their best, leading to improved overall performance and success for the organization as a whole.
Maximum Individual Contribution
The principle of maximizing the individual contribution of directing emphasizes the need for creating an environment that encourages employees to give their best effort in performing organizational activities.
Every manager desires the best from their employees, and to achieve this, it is important to implement direction practices that influence and motivate them. This includes developing policies and measures that are well-received by employees, providing both financial and non-financial incentives, and valuing their personal goals.
Also Read: What is Management Process? Definition, Features, Functions, and Importance
By fostering a sense of self-responsibility and recognizing the value of each employee’s contributions, they are more likely to be motivated to give their maximum effort.
This principle of directing recognizes the significance of individual commitment and aims to create a work culture that supports and inspires employees to perform at their best, leading to the efficient achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
Unity of Command
The principle of unity of command of directing highlights the importance of employees receiving guidance and instructions from a single boss at a time. When individuals have to work under multiple bosses simultaneously, it can lead to confusion, dilemmas, and increased pressure.
By adhering to the unity of command principle, these issues can be minimized. This principle allows employees to focus on their tasks more effectively as they can better study and understand the instructions given by a single boss.
Additionally, it strengthens the relationship between the boss and subordinate, fostering better communication and collaboration. By having a clear chain of command, employees can work with clarity and direction, leading to improved efficiency and reduced conflicts within the organization.
Appropriate Direction Technique
This is one of the important principles of directing function that emphasizes the need to select and apply direction techniques that are well-suited to the employees in the organization. It recognizes that different employees have varying skills, abilities, knowledge, and expertise.
Therefore, when providing direction, managers should take into account these individual factors as well as the overall condition of the organization.
This principle of directing function of management encourages managers to choose direction techniques that align with the specific needs and capabilities of their employees, ensuring a better fit and increased effectiveness.
Additionally, considering the financial state of the company is important, as it may impact the feasibility of certain direction techniques, especially if financial actions are required. By tailoring direction techniques to the employees and organizational context, managers can enhance employee performance, satisfaction, and overall organizational success.
Effective Communication
The principle of effective communication of directing function of management highlights the importance of ensuring that your intended message is received and understood by employees as intended.
Communication plays a vital role in organizations because if the message is altered or misunderstood, it can lead to undesired outcomes. To achieve the desired results, employees need to comprehend the intended message and know what actions or decisions they should take.
Establishing a two-way communication channel between superiors and subordinates is crucial for transmitting information effectively. This not only facilitates the flow of information but also helps in building stronger bonds and relationships between individuals within the organization.
Effective communication fosters clarity, understanding, and collaboration, leading to better decision-making, increased productivity, and a more harmonious work environment.
Use of Informal Organization
The principle of utilizing the informal organization of directing function of management recognizes the presence of informal groups within large organizations.
These groups have their own goals and may have a different understanding of new direction techniques, which can pose challenges during implementation. To address this, it is important to consider the concerns of the informal organization when introducing new direction techniques.
Establishing effective communication channels between the formal and informal organizations is crucial. Giving attention to the informal groups is essential, as they have the potential to influence and strengthen the formal groups.
By acknowledging and incorporating the dynamics of informal groups, organizations can better navigate the implementation of new direction techniques and ensure a smoother transition. This principle of direction emphasizes the significance of understanding and leveraging the informal networks and relationships within the organization for effective directing.
Leadership
The principle of leadership in the directing function of management emphasizes the importance of managers possessing leadership qualities and applying effective leadership practices when directing subordinates.
Leadership plays a crucial role in guiding and motivating employees toward achieving organizational goals. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. The most suitable leadership style depends on factors such as the specific situation, the size of the organization, and its nature.
It is essential for managers to understand the context and adapt their leadership style accordingly, whether it be autocratic or democratic, considering the potential impact on subordinates and the overall organization.
By employing the appropriate leadership style, managers can enhance employee engagement, foster teamwork, and drive organizational success.
Follow Through
From the list of our eight principles of directing, follow through is the last one. This principle emphasizes the importance of continuously monitoring and evaluating the performance of subordinates once orders, guidance, and instructions have been given.
This principle recognizes that directing is an ongoing process that requires active oversight. Managers should regularly assess and track employee performance to ensure that work is progressing in the desired direction.
This involves observing and providing necessary feedback, guidance, instructions, and suggestions to help employees improve their job performance. By actively following through and providing support, managers can ensure that their directing efforts are effective and contribute to the achievement of desired goals.
Monitoring performance allows for timely adjustments and interventions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and maximizing the potential for success.