“Vinod Kumar is guiding the efforts of employees and other resources to accomplish the desired objectives”. Identify the element of directing function of management which is being reflected in the above statement:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Supervision
Option (1) Leadership — Incorrect. Leadership is influencing people so that they work willingly for the group’s goals. It is about influence over people, while the statement also speaks of guiding the use of other resources.
Option (2) Supervision — Correct. Supervision means overseeing what subordinates are doing and giving them instructions. As an element of directing, it is the process of guiding the efforts of employees and other resources to accomplish the desired objectives. Every manager supervises the people working directly under him.
Option (3) Communication — Incorrect. Communication is the exchange of ideas and information between people. It is a tool of directing, not the act of guiding their efforts.
Option (4) Motivation — Incorrect. Motivation is stimulating people to act willingly towards goals, for example through incentives. It works on their desire to work, not on guiding their efforts and resources.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Supervision … Supervision being an element of directing, every manager in the organisation supervises his/her subordinates. In this sense, supervision can be understood as the process of guiding the efforts of employees and other resources to accomplish the desired objectives. It means overseeing what is being done by subordinates and giving instructions to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and achievement of work targets.” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 13-05 S1 | 30-05 S2 | – | – | – |