What are the principles of direction in management?

Answer 1

Following principles in this case are important:

(a) Principles of Unity of command. According to this principle, a person in the organisation should get orders and instructions from one superior only and he should be responsible to that superior only. Dual command, that is getting orders from more than one superior, creates conflict, confusion, disorder and instability in h organisation. Direction should follow this principle.

(b) Principle of Appropriateness of Direction Technique.There are three direction techniques-authoritarian, consultative, and free-rein. Each technique has its own relative strength. Moreover, each technique can be used in different cases depending upon nature of superior and subordinate and the situational variables. Thus, that particular technique can be used which is the most appropriate at a particular time.

(c) Principles of Managerial Communication. In the organisation the success depends upon effective communication between superior and his subordinates. A superior, through downward communication, passes to his subordinates order, ideas about work, etc., and through upward communication from his subordinates, he knows how his subordinates are working. Thus, effective communication both ways makes direction effective.

(d) Principles of Comprehension. Direction conveys to subordinates what they have to do, how to do. Thus understanding and comprehending of what has been conveyed by superior is important for subordinates as correct understanding enables them to get clear situation and avoids unnecessary queries and explanation from superior.

(e) Principle of Use of Informal Organisation. Formal organisation structure prescribes the official relationships among individuals. Besides, people working together develop certain relationships known as informal group or organisation. Through this informal group, information travels very quickly, thought sometime the information may be wrong. Management should try to understand, spot, and make use of such informal organisation for making direction most effective.

(f) Principle of leadership. Leadership is the process of influencing individuals in the organisation for goal achievement. When subordinates function efficiently, organisational goals are achieved. The subordinates are influenced through the exercise of authority and exercise of leadership. However, the former course of action has a serious limitation of affecting the morale of subordinates adversely. Thus mangers need to become leaders so that they can influence the activities of their subordinates without dissatisfying them.