The Relevance of Directing Functions in an Organization
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the study
The following research objectives will guide the study
- To find out the function of directing in an organization
- To ascertain the relationship of directing and organizational performance
- To find out effect of directing on employee performance
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Nature of Direction
- Function of Management: Direction helps in attaining synchronization amongst multiple processes of the company. Operating with proper procedures and coordinating effectively is a by-product of good managerial directing.
- Generality of Direction: Direction is a function that exists at every stage, location, and operation throughout a company and must be performed by every manager across the levels of the organization. For instance, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an organization delegates authority to the managers across the organization structure and provides direction to achieve the objectives and policies of the organization. The manager then instructs other managers and subordinates beneath him guiding them at every step to attain the goals.
- Ongoing Process: Directing is a continuous activity where the manager must incessantly administer the instructions given to the subordinates by him and also motivate his subordinates. For example, the CEO of a manufacturing company has to direct the top management to continuously adapt to modern manufacturing industry best practices, such as agile and lean manufacturing, ISO 9000 and ISO 14000, process analysis and simulation, supply chain management, statistical process control, and statistical quality control in order to be at par with market competitors.
Need/Importance
- Initiates Action:Through directing, employees understand what they are actually supposed to do in the organization.
- Effective Utilization of Resources:Directing helps to make it clear to all the employees their duties and responsibilities. Thus, the scope for duplication and overlapping of work is reduced to a greater extent, leading to effective utilization of all the resources.
- Motivation:One of the important elements of directing is motivation. The employee is not only made aware about the tasks to be performed but also motivated for better performance.
- Helps to Achieve Organizational Objectives:As under the directing function, the manager guides, motivates, and supervises the subordinates, which ultimately helps to achieve the organizational goals.
- Responding to Change:Every organization is affected by the changes in the environment in which it operates, it could be both internal and external environment. It is the human nature to resist a change. For example, in some circumstance, the company might be required to change over from the current technology and adopt a new one to sustain in the market. Here, the employees need to be convinced about the changeover.
- Organizational Stability:The four elements of the directing function—leadership, communication, supervision, and motivation provide stability in the organization and maintain organizational balance. Thus, the organization exists for a long period and its divisions/departments work in an efficient manner.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the relevance of directing functions in an organization. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of the relevance of directing functions in an organization
Summary
This study was on the relevance of directing functions in an organization. Three objectives were raised which included; To find out the function of directing in an organization, to ascertain the relationship of directing and organizational performance and to find out effect of directing on employee performance. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Dangote cement plc, Lagos state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
In order to lead to effective growth and development of the human resources and organization as a whole, it is necessary to focus upon directing and guiding. Directing is referred to the process of coaching, leading and guiding the individuals towards the right direction. In other words, it is showing the right path to the individuals, especially to achieve the goals and objectives. On the other hand, guiding is referred to showing someone the right direction. The significance of directing can be acknowledged by the fact that all job duties and actions that are being carried out in organizations are initiated through directing. The significance of guiding is recognized, when it proves to be efficacious and meaningful to the individuals in the achievement of goals and objectives. The principles of directing are, maximum individual contribution, harmony of objectives, unity of command, appropriateness of the technique of direction, managerial communication, utilization of informal organization, leadership and feedback.
Recommendation
Organization should have a good manager because the functions of directing and guiding are carried out well, they will contribute in leading to well-being of the employees and organization as a whole.
References
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