Supervision vs Directing


In any organization, there are various functions such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. Among these functions, directing and supervision are two critical functions that are often used interchangeably but are different from each other.


Directing refers to the process of giving instructions, guidance, and orders by a manager to his subordinates to achieve the organizational objectives. It includes the following activities:

• Issuing orders and instructions


• Providing guidance to subordinates


• Motivating employees to work towards organizational goals


• Creating a conducive work environment


• Assigning tasks and delegating authority

Supervision refers to overseeing the work of subordinates and ensuring that they perform their tasks as per the set standards. It includes the following activities:

• Monitoring and controlling the work of subordinates


• Providing feedback to subordinates on their performance


• Identifying and correcting mistakes


• Guiding subordinates on how to perform their tasks


• Ensuring that the work is completed within the set time and budget

• Directing is a proactive function, while supervision is a reactive function.


• Directing focuses on the achievement of organizational goals, while supervision focuses on ensuring that subordinates perform their tasks as per the set standards.


• Directing involves giving instructions and guidance, while supervision involves monitoring and controlling the work of subordinates.


• Directing is done by higher-level managers, while supervision is done by lower-level managers.


• Directing is a broader function, while supervision is a narrower function.

In conclusion, both directing and supervision are important functions that help organizations achieve their objectives. While directing focuses on providing guidance and motivation to subordinates, supervision focuses on ensuring that subordinates perform their tasks as per the set standards. By understanding the differences between these two functions, managers can effectively utilize them to achieve organizational objectives.