Importance :
The importance of Directing is as follows:
(1) Initiates action : Direction initiates action. It activates employees to put in their best efforts, to achieve the goals. Without effective direction, other managerial functions like planning, organising, staffing, co-ordinating and controlling become ineffective. Managers have to stimulate action by issuing instructions like what to do, how to do, etc. to the subordinates and by supervising them from time to time.
(2) Integrates efforts: At every level of the management there are subordinates under managers. The work assigned to these subordinates is interrelated. The directing function integrates the activities of the subordinates by guidance, supervision and counselling. It results in achievement of organisational goals.
(3) Means of motivation: Objectives of an organisation can be achieved only if the people working in it are properly motivated through monetary and non-monetary incentives. It boosts the morale of employees, contribute their maximum efforts and motivates them to give their best.
(4) Provides stability: Effective direction through supervision, motivation, leadership and communication provides stability and maintains balance in the organisation. This in turn results in the growth of the enterprise at faster rate. For long term survival of the organisation, stability in the organisation are necessary.
(5) Coping up with the changes : Effective direction facilitates changes in the organisation. It enables the enterprise to adopt advance technology, new methods of production, modern techniques of management, etc. It is a direction function which helps the superiors to motivate the subordinates to adapt to the new changes, new challenges, etc. Adapting to the environmental changes is necessary for the growth of the organisation.