Directing is a crucial function of management that involves instructing, guiding, inspiring, and supervising employees to achieve organizational goals. Below are 30 important questions categorized by mark allocation to help in revision and exam preparation.
Topics Discussed
1 Mark Questions
1. What is Directing?
Answer: Directing is the managerial function that initiates action by guiding and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals.
2. What are the elements of Directing?
Answer: The four elements of Directing are Supervision, Motivation, Leadership, and Communication.
3. What is meant by Motivation?
Answer: Motivation is the process of stimulating employees to work towards achieving organizational objectives.
4. Define Leadership.
Answer: Leadership is the ability to influence and guide subordinates to accomplish goals.
5. What is Supervision in Directing?
Answer: Supervision refers to overseeing the activities of employees to ensure they work efficiently towards goals.
6. What are financial incentives?
Answer: Financial incentives are monetary benefits given to employees, such as bonuses and commissions, to encourage performance.
7. What are non-financial incentives?
Answer: Non-financial incentives include recognition, job security, and career growth opportunities that motivate employees.
3-4 Marks Questions
8. What is the importance of Directing?
Answer:
- Initiates action to achieve goals.
- Improves efficiency by guiding employees.
- Ensures coordination in the organization.
- Enhances leadership and motivation.
9. Explain the characteristics of Directing.
Answer:
- Pervasive function – Required at all levels of management.
- Continuous function – Ongoing in all managerial activities.
- Initiates action – Directs employees towards goals.
- People-oriented function – Involves human relationships.
10. What are the different types of Leadership styles?
Answer:
- Autocratic Leadership – Full control by the leader with minimal input from employees.
- Democratic Leadership – Employees participate in decision-making.
- Laissez-faire Leadership – Employees have full freedom with minimal supervision.
11. Differentiate between Motivation and Leadership.
Answer:
| Basis | Motivation | Leadership |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Stimulating employees to work | Influencing and guiding employees |
| Nature | Psychological process | Behavioral process |
| Focus | Individual satisfaction | Organizational goals |
12. What is Communication and its role in Directing?
Answer: Communication is the process of exchanging information between individuals to facilitate understanding and cooperation in an organization.
Roles:
- Ensures clarity in instructions.
- Enhances coordination.
- Builds relationships.
13. Explain any two financial and two non-financial incentives.
Answer:
- Financial Incentives: Bonus, Profit-sharing.
- Non-Financial Incentives: Recognition, Job Enrichment.
14. What are the barriers to effective communication?
Answer:
- Semantic barriers – Misinterpretation of words.
- Psychological barriers – Stress, emotions, or attitude differences.
- Organizational barriers – Rigid hierarchy, complex structures.
- Personal barriers – Resistance to change, lack of trust.
6 Marks Questions
15. Explain the process of Motivation.
Answer:
- Unsatisfied Need – An individual feels the lack of something.
- Tension – Discomfort due to unmet needs.
- Drive – Internal urge to act.
- Search for Alternatives – Exploring ways to satisfy the need.
- Selection of Goal-Oriented Behavior – Choosing a method to fulfill the need.
- Satisfaction – Goal is achieved, reducing tension.
Directing Class 12 Notes Business Studies
16. Discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory.
Answer:
- Physiological Needs – Basic needs like food, water, and shelter.
- Safety Needs – Job security, financial stability.
- Social Needs – Relationships, friendship, belongingness.
- Esteem Needs – Recognition, self-respect.
- Self-Actualization – Achieving personal potential.
17. Explain the principles of Effective Communication.
Answer:
- Clarity – Message should be clear and understandable.
- Conciseness – Avoid unnecessary details.
- Feedback – Ensure message is received correctly.
- Correctness – Avoid errors or misleading information.
- Appropriate Medium – Use suitable channels like email, face-to-face.
18. Explain the role of Leadership in an organization.
Answer:
- Provides Direction – Guides employees towards goals.
- Motivates Employees – Encourages productivity.
- Builds Morale – Creates a positive work environment.
- Ensures Coordination – Aligns efforts of different departments.
19. What is the difference between Autocratic and Democratic Leadership?
Answer:
| Basis | Autocratic | Democratic |
|---|---|---|
| Decision-making | Leader takes all decisions | Employees participate in decisions |
| Employee Involvement | Minimal | High |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Flexible |
20. Explain the different types of Communication.
Answer:
- Formal Communication – Official exchange of information.
- Informal Communication – Unofficial discussions (grapevine communication).
- Verbal Communication – Spoken words.
- Non-Verbal Communication – Gestures, body language, expressions.
21. How does Motivation improve efficiency in an organization?
Answer:
- Boosts productivity – Encouraged employees perform better.
- Reduces absenteeism – Motivated employees stay committed.
- Enhances job satisfaction – Employees feel valued.
- Promotes creativity – Encouraged employees innovate.
22. Why is Supervision important in Directing?
Answer:
- Ensures discipline among employees.
- Helps in performance evaluation.
- Provides feedback for improvement.
- Reduces errors and conflicts.
23-30. Additional Questions:
- What is the difference between formal and informal communication?
- Explain Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation.
- What are the essential qualities of a good leader?
- How does communication affect managerial efficiency?
- Describe the various types of organizational communication.
- What is the role of feedback in communication?
- Explain the concept of job enrichment as a non-financial incentive.
- How does leadership style impact organizational effectiveness?
Final Thoughts
These 30 important questions cover key aspects of Directing in Class 12 Business Studies. Understanding these concepts will help you prepare effectively for exams. Keep practicing and stay confident!