The workers always try to show their inability when any new work is given to them. They are always unwilling to take up any kind of work due to sudden rise in demand when a firm wants to meet excess orders. State the element of directing that can help the supervisor in handling the problem.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Motivation
Option (1) Communication — Incorrect. Communication is the exchange of ideas, instructions and information. The workers here have understood what is asked of them. The trouble is that they do not want to do it.
Option (2) Coordination — Incorrect. Coordination is not an element of directing. It is the essence of management, which links the efforts of different departments. The four elements of directing are supervision, motivation, leadership and communication.
Option (3) Motivation — Correct. Motivation means stimulating people to act willingly to achieve the desired goals. These workers are able to do the extra work, but they are unwilling to take it up. What is missing is the will to work, not the skill. Financial incentives, such as overtime pay or a bonus, and non-financial ones, such as recognition, can create that will.
Option (4) Supervision — Incorrect. Supervision means overseeing the work of subordinates and guiding them on the job. A supervisor can watch and instruct, but watching alone does not make an unwilling worker want to work.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Elements of Direction … All these examples and many other activities related to directing may broadly be grouped into four categories which are the elements of directing. These are: (i) Supervision “Motivation … Why are some people reluctant to do the work though they have ability to do? What should be done to make people work effectively? For answering these questions, a manager should try to develop insights into causes of behaviour of people. A manager may come across highly committed and hardworking staff or lazy, evasive and superficial workers. He or she may wonder what to do with workers not willing to work to their potential. Psychologists say it is motivation, which stimulates people to take up work voluntarily.” |