1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of directing?
A. It initiates action
B. It is continuous in nature
C. It is an optional function of management
D. It flows from top to bottom
Directing is not optional—it is a compulsory managerial function. It initiates action, is continuous in nature, and flows from top to bottom.
2. Why is directing considered the essence of management?
A. Because it connects planning with execution
B. Because it only involves issuing orders
C. Because it focuses only on supervision
D. Because it deals only with human relations
Directing bridges the gap between planning and actual performance by guiding, motivating, and supervising employees to execute plans.
3. Which of the following highlights the importance of directing?
A. It is a one-time activity
B. It only applies to top management
C. It replaces other functions of management
D. It helps integrate employee efforts towards common goals
Directing integrates efforts of individuals and teams so that organizational goals can be achieved efficiently.
4. Which of the following is a unique feature of directing compared to other managerial functions?
A. It can be delegated completely
B. It deals directly with human behavior
C. It is not related to motivation
D. It is performed only once during planning
Unlike planning or organizing, directing is people-centered. It deals directly with human behavior, motivation, communication, and leadership.
5. Which statement best explains why directing is continuous?
A. Because it ends once goals are set
B. Because it applies only during training
C. Because employees require constant guidance and supervision
D. Because it applies only at the project start
Directing is continuous because employees require regular guidance, supervision, and motivation at every stage of work.
6. Which of the following is NOT considered an element of directing?
A. Supervision
B. Motivation
C. Leadership
D. Controlling
The main elements of directing are supervision, motivation, leadership, and communication. Controlling is a separate managerial function, not an element of directing.
7. Which element of directing ensures that subordinates perform their tasks according to plans?
A. Supervision
B. Leadership
C. Motivation
D. Communication
Supervision involves overseeing subordinates' work to ensure that tasks are performed according to plans and standards.
8. Which of the following is the primary purpose of motivation as an element of directing?
A. To monitor work continuously
B. To issue formal orders
C. To stimulate employees to achieve desired goals
D. To establish reporting hierarchy
Motivation encourages employees to work willingly towards organizational goals by satisfying their personal and professional needs.
9. Which element of directing primarily deals with influencing people to achieve organizational objectives?
A. Communication
B. Leadership
C. Supervision
D. Motivation
Leadership is the process of influencing and guiding individuals or groups towards achieving organizational objectives.
10. Which element of directing is the basis for transmitting information, instructions, and feedback in an organization?
A. Motivation
B. Supervision
C. Leadership
D. Communication
Communication is essential for conveying instructions, ideas, and feedback. It ensures understanding between managers and subordinates.
11. Which of the following best describes leadership in management?
A. Issuing strict orders to subordinates
B. Influencing people to achieve organizational objectives
C. Monitoring attendance of employees
D. Preparing financial budgets
Leadership is the process of influencing and inspiring people to work willingly and effectively towards achieving organizational goals.
12. Which style of leadership involves subordinates in decision-making and encourages participation?
A. Autocratic leadership
B. Laissez-faire leadership
C. Democratic leadership
D. Transactional leadership
Democratic leadership allows subordinates to participate in decision-making, increasing commitment and motivation.
13. Which leadership style gives complete freedom to subordinates and offers minimal guidance?
A. Laissez-faire leadership
B. Autocratic leadership
C. Bureaucratic leadership
D. Charismatic leadership
Laissez-faire leadership provides maximum freedom to employees, with leaders taking minimal control or guidance.
14. Which of the following is NOT a function of leadership?
A. Influencing behavior of subordinates
B. Building team spirit
C. Resolving conflicts
D. Designing financial statements
Leadership involves influencing people, resolving conflicts, and maintaining team spirit. Preparing financial statements is not a leadership function.
15. In the context of directing, motivation is primarily concerned with:
A. Supervising employee attendance
B. Designing organizational charts
C. Stimulating employees to work willingly towards goals
D. Drafting company policies
Motivation is the psychological process that stimulates employees to put in their best efforts to achieve organizational goals.
16. Which theory of motivation emphasizes hierarchy of needs, starting from physiological needs to self-actualization?
A. Maslow’s Need Hierarchy Theory
B. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory
C. McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y
D. Vroom’s Expectancy Theory
Maslow’s theory explains motivation through five levels of needs: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization.
17. According to Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, which of the following is a hygiene factor?
A. Achievement
B. Recognition
C. Growth
D. Salary
Salary, working conditions, and company policies are hygiene factors that prevent dissatisfaction but do not necessarily motivate employees.
18. Which motivation theory suggests that employees can be self-directed and creative if properly motivated?
A. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory
B. McGregor’s Theory Y
C. Maslow’s Theory
D. Equity Theory
McGregor’s Theory Y assumes employees are self-motivated, seek responsibility, and can be innovative when properly guided.
19. Which of the following is NOT a feature of effective communication?
A. Clarity of message
B. Excessive use of technical jargon
C. Proper feedback
D. Conciseness
Effective communication must be clear, concise, and ensure feedback. Excessive technical jargon creates confusion and is not a feature of effective communication.
20. Which type of communication flows from subordinates to superiors?
A. Horizontal communication
B. Grapevine communication
C. Downward communication
D. Upward communication
Communication from subordinates to superiors, such as suggestions, feedback, or grievances, is known as upward communication.
21. Which of the following is an example of informal communication in an organization?
A. Grapevine communication
B. Written circulars
C. Official emails
D. Reports and memos
Grapevine is informal communication, often based on rumors or personal conversations, which spreads information outside official channels.
22. Which barrier to communication arises when the receiver is preoccupied or inattentive?
A. Semantic barrier
B. Technical barrier
C. Psychological barrier
D. Organizational barrier
Psychological barriers, such as lack of attention, prejudice, or stress, prevent effective communication.
23. Supervision as an element of directing mainly ensures:
A. Only salary administration
B. Designing of business strategy
C. Selection of employees
D. Proper execution of assigned work
Supervision ensures that subordinates properly execute assigned work and that deviations are corrected in time.
24. Which of the following is NOT an importance of supervision?
A. Provides guidance and support to employees
B. Helps in policy formulation at government level
C. Maintains discipline and harmony
D. Facilitates feedback and control
Supervision helps in guidance, discipline, feedback, and control within an organization. Policy formulation at government level is not its function.
25. A supervisor acts as a link between:
A. Management and workers
B. Customers and competitors
C. Suppliers and vendors
D. Shareholders and government
A supervisor is the connecting link between management and workers, ensuring smooth implementation of plans and instructions.
Caselet: A branch manager notices that employee motivation is declining. Team members complain that their efforts are not recognized, communication with management is weak, and supervisors often only highlight mistakes rather than achievements. The manager wants to apply principles of directing to resolve these issues.
26. Which element of directing should the manager focus on first to improve communication gaps?
A. Motivation
B. Supervision
C. Communication
D. Leadership
The manager must strengthen communication channels so employees can share feedback openly and instructions are clearly conveyed.
27. In this situation, which motivational approach would be MOST effective to improve employee morale?
A. Recognition and appreciation of good work
B. Only salary revision
C. Strict supervision and discipline
D. Ignoring employee concerns
Recognition and appreciation are strong motivators (Herzberg’s motivator factors). Merely increasing salary or strict control may not improve morale sustainably.
28. The manager decides to encourage participation in decision-making by involving team members in planning branch targets. This reflects which leadership style?
A. Autocratic leadership
B. Democratic leadership
C. Laissez-faire leadership
D. Bureaucratic leadership
Involving employees in decision-making is a feature of democratic leadership, which builds ownership and commitment.
