DIRECTING AND CO-ORDINATING

TANVI MODIKINJAL DOSHI

BANSRI PRIYANKAPREDEEP

DIRECTING

Every decision taken must be properly implemented, otherwise it is of no use. Direction is required for effective implementation of a decision. Every manager in an organization gives direction to his subordinates as a supervisor and every manager receives direction as subordinate from his superior.

MEANING

Direction is a managerial function performed by all the managers at all levels of the organisation. Direction is a continuous function of every manager. Direction is a function of management which is related with instructing, guiding and inspiring human factor in the organisation to achieve the objectives of the organisation. The three important elements in direction are communication, leadership and supervision and motivation. Direction is an action initiating function of management.

DEFINITION

According to Koontz and O’Donnel : “Directing is a complex function that

includes all those activities which are designed to encourage subordinates to work effectively and efficiently in both the short and long-run.”

FEATURES

Initiates action Superior – Subordinate RelationshipContinuous FunctionInitiates at the Top LevelKills two birds

PRINCIPLES OF DIRECTION

(A) Principles relating to the purpose of direction

Principle of maximum individual contributionPrinciple of harmony of objectivesPrinciple of efficiency of direction

(B) Principles relating to direction process

Principle of Unity of CommandPrinciple of Appropriateness of Direction

TechniquePrinciple of Managerial CommunicationPrinciple of ComprehensionPrinciple of use of informal organizationPrinciple of leadershipPrinciple of efficient controlPrinciple of Follow Through

STEPS IN DIRECTION

Setting and Defining the ObjectivesOrganising the EffortsMeasuring the workDeveloping the people

IMPORTANCE

Initiates ActionIntegrates Employees EffortsGets maximum out of individuals Facilitates Organisation ChangesProvides Stability and Balance in the

organisation

CO-ORDINATING

Co-ordination is the process of linking or connecting the various activities of an organisation. Every department in an organisation functions independently. But, the activities of one department, influences or affects the activities of another department.

For eg. The activities of the production department influence or affects the activities of marketing department and vice-versa.

Likewise, the activities of the purchase department affects the activities of production department, the activity of finance department affects the activities of the purchase department. Thus, it becomes clear that the various departments in an organisation are inter-related and interdependent. Co-ordination is only concern with the task of establishing a link between the activities of the different departments.

Every department has its own goals. But, what is important is the contribution of the various departments to the goal of the organisation. Co-ordination ensures that all the departments contribute to the achievement of the goal or the objective of the organisation.

Co-ordination is concerned with the task of unifying the activities of the departments of an organisation, in order, to achieve the common goal.

DEFINITION

According to J. D. Mooney and A. C. Railey :

“Co-ordination is the orderly arrangement

of group efforts to provide unity of action in the pursuit of a common purpose.”

FEATURES

The need for co-ordination arises due to inter-dependence

It aims at achieving the common goalIt is the duty of every managerContinuous ProcessRequired in group ActivityDeliberate EffortCo-ordination is different from co-operation

IMPORTANCE

Integration of Group EffortsFacilitates Mutual DependenceMotivates SubordinatesDevelopment of team spiritBetter RelationsHigher Efficiency Reduces WastagesCorporate Image

TECHNIQUES

Clearly defined goals/ Well – defined objectives

Clear Lines of Authority and Responsibility / Effective Chain of Command

Precise, Comprehensive and Well-understood, Programmes and Policies (Plans)

Effective Communication ChannelsEffective Leadership and supervisionCommon NomenclatureVoluntary Teamwork

CO-ORDINATION AS AN ESSENCE OF MANAGEMENT

Coordination through PlanningCoordination through organizingCoordination through staffingCoordination through directingCoordination through controllingCoordination and CommunicationCoordination and MotivationCoordination and Decision-Making

PRINCIPLES

Principle of Direct ContactPrinciple of Early StartPrinciple of Reciprocal RelationshipPrinciple of ContinuityPrinciple of Self-Coordination