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Module 6 Directing
Module 6 Directing
Module 6 Directing
MODULE 6 – DIRECTING
INTRODUCTION
An organization that doesn’t have a leader is like a ship without its captain. Every
organization needs someone who will manage the operation, motivates its people and
lead the team to the right path towards the achievement of the organizations’ goals and
objectives. This is how the fourth universal function of management is all about.
Directing is said to be a process in which the managers instruct, guide and oversee the
performance of the workers to achieve predetermined goals. Moreover, in the field of
management, direction is said to be all those activities which are designed to encourage
the subordinates to work effectively and efficiently.
This module will give an overview to the readers and learners about the importance of
directing as function of management, the difference between a leader and a boss,
explain the different theories of motivation and give ideas on how motivation affects the
effectiveness and efficiency of an employee in relation to its job performance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
TIME:
LEARNER DESCRIPTION
MODULE CONTENTS:
Directing initiates action and it is from here actual work starts In simple words, it can be
described as providing guidance to workers is doing work. In field of management,
direction is said to be all those activities which are designed to encourage the
subordinates to work effectively and efficiently. According to Human, “Directing consists
of process or technique by which instruction can be issued and operations can be
carried out as originally planned” Therefore, Directing is the function of guiding,
inspiring, overseeing and instructing people towards accomplishment of organizational
goals.
Reference:
The word motivation comes from the Latin word "movere" which means to move.
Numerous definitions are given for the term. Usually include are such words as aim,
desire, end, impulse, intention, objective, and purpose. These definitions normally
include three common characteristics of motivation. First, motivation is concerned
with what activates human behavior. Second, motivation is concerned with what
directs this behavior toward a particular goal. Third, motivation is concerned with
how this behavior is sustained.
Theories of Motivation
Job Enlargement
This involves redesigning of jobs so that related activities are added to those
currently being performed. It is the process of allowing individual workers to
determine their own working place (within limits) to serve as their own inspectors by
giving them responsibility for quality control, to correct their own mistakes, to be
responsible for their own machine set-up and repair, and to attain choice of method.
This method motivates the individual by offering challenge, interest, and meaning.
Job Enrichment
A modern and a more permanent approach to motivation is through job enrichment.
This involves putting meaning into jobs. In other words, it is putting Herzberg's two-
factor theory into effect by building motivators into the job. These motivators include
achievement, growth, responsibility, advancement, and recognition
Activity 6.2.1:
Given the above theories of motivation, choose one and justify its importance in the
motivation of an employee.
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Reference:
Conrado, Inigo Jr.(2017) Management for Filipinos: Principles and Applications
Process of Communication
The process of communication refers to the transmission or passage of information or
message from the sender through a selected channel to the receiver overcoming
barriers that affect its pace.
The process of communication is a cyclic one as it begins with the sender and ends
with the sender in the form of feedback. It takes place upward, downward and laterally
throughout the organization.
We will now learn about the different elements in the process of communication.
Sender
The very foundation of communication process is laid by the person who transmits or
sends the message. He is the sender of the message which may be a thought, idea, a
picture, symbol, report or an order and postures and gestures, even a momentary
smile. The sender is therefore the initiator of the message that need to be transmitted.
After having generated the idea, information etc. the sender encodes it in such a
manner that can be well-understood by the receiver.
Message
Encoding
Encoding is putting the targeted message into appropriate medium which may be
verbal or non-verbal depending upon the situation, time, space and nature of the
message to be sent. The sender puts the message into a series of symbols, pictures or
words which will be communicated to the intended receiver. Encoding is an important
step in the communication process as wrong and inappropriate encoding may defeat
the true intent of the communication process.
Channel
Channel(s) refers to the way or mode the message flows or is transmitted through. The
message is transmitted over a channel that links the sender with the receiver. The
message may be oral or written and it may be transmitted through a memorandum, a
computer, telephone, cell phone, apps or televisions.
Since each channel has its advantages and disadvantages, the choice of proper
selection of the channel is paramount for effective communication.
Receiver
Receiver is the person or group who the message is meant for. He may be a listener, a
reader or a viewer. Any negligence on the part of the receiver may make the
communication ineffective. The receiver needs to comprehend the message sent in the
best possible manner such that the true intent of the communication is attained. The
extent to which the receiver decodes the message depends on his/her knowledge of
the subject matter of the message, experience, trust and relationship with the sender.
The receiver is as significant a factor in communication process as the sender is. It is
the other end of the process. The receiver should be in fit condition to receive the
message, that is, he/she should have channel of communication active and should not
be preoccupied with other thoughts that might cause him/her to pay insufficient
attention to the message.
Decoding
Feedback
Types of Communication
In organizational situations, there are formal communications, informal
communications, communication between groups, interpersonal communications,
upward, downward, lateral communications and so on.
1. Downward Communication
Downward communication involves a message travelling to one or more receivers at
the lower level in the hierarchy. The message frequently involves directions or
performance feedback. The down ward flow of communication generally
corresponds to the formal organizational communications system, which is usually
synonymous with the chain of command or line of authority. This system has
received a great deal of attention from both managers and behavioural scientists
since it is crucial to organizational functioning.
2. Upward Communication
In upward communication, the message is directed toward a higher level in the
hierarchy. It is often takes the form of progress reports or information about
successes and failures of the individuals or work groups reporting to the receiver of
the message. Sometimes employees also send suggestions or complaints upward
through the organization's hierarchy.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
1. Distance
The physical distance between the supervisor and his subordinates results in less
face-to-face communication. We know that less face- to-face communication may
lead to misunderstanding or lack of understanding of the message being
communicated.
2. Distortion
This occurs when an individual fails to distinguish actual data from his own views,
feelings, emotions, etc. Sometimes the supervisor and subordinates tend to interpret
the information in the light of their own views, values, opinions and background
rather than interpreting the message objectively.
3. Semantics
This deals with the language aspect of communication. Graham states that the
structure of our language leads to misrepresentation of the true nature of events.
multiple meanings.
4. Lack of Leveling
This refers to various differences in the levels of supervisors and subordinates. For
instance, there is a difference in the level of knowledge and expertise of a supervisor
and subordinate.
5. Lack of Trust
This barrier has to do with the previous experiences of subordinates' dealings with
supervisor. Based on the past experiences, if the subordinate feels that it is not good
for him to report bad news to the supervisor, then he will withhold such information
from the supervisor. On the other hand, if he feels that the supervisor is considerate
and helpful, then he will not filter bad news or unfavorable information.
6. Inaccessibility
In some organizations we find supervisors who are often out, or keep themselves
busy with trivial things and therefore are not available to subordinates for
consultation, discussion, or guidance. Such inaccessibility results in communication
breakdown. This affects the motivation of subordinates in seeking proper direction
from the boss and relies more on trial and error approaches.
When the responsibilities, assigned to the subordinates are not clear, they find
scapegoats or come out with excuses. Lack of clarity in duties and responsibilities
result in status and role ambiguities, which simply means the position and the role
which are occupied and played by the subordinate are unclear to him.
8. Personal Incompatibility
Often the personality of the supervisor and the subordinate clash and thus
create communication blocks. Rather than viewing things objectively, personality
factors dominate and issues become personalized.
9. Refusal to Listen
There are some supervisors, who by their careless attitude or arrogant nature,
refuse to listen to their subordinates. Such an attitude blocks effective
communication. Refusal to listen may be due to a superiority complex feeling of "I
know everything," or an inferiority complex feeling of "I am no good."
A lack of direction in message content may present a barrier. Some messages have
two types of content: the manifest or evident meaning and the latent or real
meaning. In some cases, the manifest meaning of the message is made so
attractive that the real meaning is lost.
Activity 6.3.1:
Direction: Supposedly you are already part of an organization, from then you are
assigned to write a memorandum in accordance with the following direction:
a. Upward communication
b. Downward communication
c. Lateral communication
References:
Leadership is generally defined as the art and science of influencing people in such a
way that they willingly move towards achieving the group objectives. This definition can
be broadened to mean not only a willingness to work but a willingness to work with zeal
and confidence. To lead is to guide, conduct, direct, and proceed. We can say that all
managers must be good leaders, but not all leaders could be good managers.
Types of leadership
3. Democratic leader depends not only on their own capabilities but encourage
consultation of subordinates. Subordinates are invited to participate in planning,
decision-making, and organizing. They tend to venture on their own initiative and
to communicate freely with their fellow subordinates. This type of leadership
results in a cooperative spirit and the development of managerial abilities on the
part of subordinates. Satisfaction is gained through a feeling of group
accomplishment.
MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Another way to evaluating the management process is in terms of the skill types
needed to do the job. Notwithstanding differences in a manager's roles and
responsibilities, there are many competencies that all managers need to acquire.
Once again, there are differences of opinion between scholars and researchers
as to what skills are necessary for different managerial functions to be carried
out. Katz has identified three basic types of skills - technical, human, and
conceptual - which he says are needed by all managers.
Human skill is the ability to work with others by getting along with them,
motivating them, and communicating effectively with others. The manager
must focus his attention on improving his interpersonal relations with
peers, subordinates and his own supervisors.
Activity 6.4.1:
1. Define leadership on your own words.
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2. Given the chance to lead a group of people, what type of leadership style are you
going to use. Justify your answer.
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3. Cite different management roles in an organization
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References:
Watch the online video lecture of the course instructor uploaded at NEO LMS and to the
class shared Google drive (if applicable).
To be uploaded in LMS
MODULE REFERENCES: