Which one of the following is an element of directing?

Communication

The correct answer is option 3- Communication.

Communication is an element of directing.

The process of directing involves guiding, coaching, instructing, motivating, leading the people in an organisation to achieve organisational objectives. Many other activities related to directing may broadly be grouped into four categories which are the elements of directing. These are: (i) Supervision (ii) Motivation (iii) Leadership (iv) Communication.

Supervision can be understood as the process of guiding the efforts of employees and other resources to accomplish the desired objectives. It is an element of direction. It can be understood as a process as well as the functions performed by supervisor (a position at operative level).

Motivation means incitement or inducement to act or move. In the context of an organisation, it means the process of making subordinates to act in a desired manner to achieve certain organisational goals. Motivation is a complex process as individuals are heterogeneous in their expectations, perceptions and reactions.

Leadership is the process of influencing the behaviour of people by making them strive voluntarily towards achievement of organisational goals. Leadership tries to bring change in the behaviour of others.

Communication is a process by which people create and share information with one another in order to reach common understanding.