“If a manager wants to introduce new system of accounting, there may be initial resistance from accounting staff. But, if manager explains the purpose, provides training and motivates with additional rewards, the employees may accept change and cooperate with manager”. The statement describes the characteristics of directing as:
A. Directing flows from top to bottom
B. Directing initiates action
C. Directing is a continuous process
D. Directing Facilitates coordination in action
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A, B and C only
A. Directing flows from top to bottom — Correct. Directing starts at the top level and moves down the hierarchy. Every manager directs his own subordinates and takes instructions from his own boss.
B. Directing initiates action — Correct. Planning, organising and staffing only prepare the ground. Directing is the function that sets people to work.
C. Directing is a continuous process — Correct. It goes on through the whole life of the organisation. Managers may change, but directing never stops.
D. Directing Facilitates coordination in action — Incorrect. Facilitating coordination in action is an importance of controlling. Controlling holds every department to standards that fit together, so their work moves in one direction.
Note: It seems that there is a mistake in the original NTA paper: the statement and the question do not match. The statement is NCERT’s example of an importance of directing, “Directing facilitates introduction of needed changes”: staff resist a new accounting system, and the manager wins them over by explaining, training and motivating. But the question asks for the characteristics of directing, and none of the options is this importance. So leave the statement aside and pick the items that are characteristics of directing: A, B and C.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Meaning … The main characteristics of directing are discussed below: “(iii) Directing is a continuous process: Directing is a continuous activity. It takes place throughout the life of the organisation irrespective of people occupying managerial positions. …” “(iv) Directing flows from top to bottom: Directing is first initiated at top level and flows to the bottom through organisational hierarchy. It means that every manager can direct his immediate subordinate and take instructions from his immediate boss.” “Importance of Directing … (iv) Directing facilitates introduction of needed changes in the organisation. Generally, people have a tendency to resist changes in the organisation. Effective directing through motivation, communication and leadership helps to reduce such resistance and develop required cooperation in introducing changes in the organisation. For example, if a manager wants to introduce new system of accounting, there may be initial resistance from accounting staff. But, if manager explains the purpose, provides training and motivates with additional rewards, the employees may accept change and cooperate with manager.” |