Directing Defined

          Directing is accomplishing work tasks by guiding the efforts of subordinates. This management function consists of assigning work, communicating procedures, issuing orders, and maintaining the quality of work. The purpose of directing is to ensure that the objectives of the department of group will be achieved. Thus, directing is done by managers at all three levels. However, in large organizations, supervisory managers perform most of the directing function, since a majority of employees are organized under their level of management. In fact, directing activities take up most of the supervisory managers' time. Middle managers spend much of their time in directing, too, but fever employees are organized under them. Top managers direct only the few subordinates who report to them personally.