Question

State any four characteristics of directing function of management.

Hint:

Directing starts action, works at every level, never stops, and flows from top to bottom.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the question:
Directing is the function of instructing, guiding, counselling, motivating and leading people to achieve the goals of the organisation.
I need to state any four of its characteristics, with a short explanation of each.

Step 2: Directing initiates action:
Planning and organising only prepare the ground. Directing starts the actual work.
Through it, the manager gives orders and the staff begin to act on the plan.

Step 3: Directing takes place at every level of management:
Every manager, from the top to the supervisor, directs his subordinates.
So directing is not limited to any one level.

Step 4: Directing is a continuous activity:
It continues as long as the organisation exists. Managers keep on guiding, inspiring and supervising.
It does not stop after one instruction is given.

Step 5: Directing flows from top to bottom:
A manager at a higher level directs the one at the next lower level.
Thus the instructions move down the chain of command, from top management to the workers.

Final Answer:
Directing initiates action, takes place at every level, is a continuous activity and flows from top to bottom.