Which of the following can NOT be considered as an element of directing?

Coordination

The correct answer is option 1- Coordination.

Coordination is not an element of directing.

The process by which a manager synchronises the activities of different departments is known as coordination. Coordination is the force that binds all the other functions of management. It is the common thread that runs through all activities such as purchase, production, sales, and finance to ensure continuity in the working of the organisation. 

Directing may broadly be grouped into four categories which are the elements of directing. These are: (i) Supervision (ii) Motivation (iii) Leadership (iv) Communication.

• 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.

• 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).

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