Directing 

Directing is the managerial function concerned with the interpersonal aspect of managing by which subordinates are led to understand and contribute effectively and efficiently to the attainment of enterprise objectives. It is aimed at getting the members of the organisation to move in the direction that will achieve its objectives. In other words, directing is the managerial function that enables managers to get things done through persons,both individually and collectively. Directing is related to staffing in the sense that these two functions are concerned with the employees of the organisation. While staffing is concerned with providing and maintaining human resources, directing deals with leading and motivating the human resources to give out the best. It is the most interpersonal aspect of management. Directing is closely related to the communicating function and motivating actuating and leading are sub-functions of directing (see key words at the end of this Unit).

Directing is not the singular function of the top management. In fact, it pervades the organisation at all  supervisory levels. This calls for good interpersonal communication, both oral and written. Written communications are often through memos,letters, reports, directives, policy guidelines, staff and work manuals and similar others. It is essential to get them drafted unambiguously to give proper direction to the employees. This is supported by oral communication, formally at staff meetings and informally on other occasions.