In the hierarchy of management functions, which activity comes after planning and organizing to ensure work is carried out?

• A. Planning
• B. Organizing
• C. Directing
• D. Controlling

Answer: (C)

Directing is the step that turns plans and structure into action. After you’ve laid out what you want to achieve (planning) and arranged the resources and tasks (organizing), directing focuses on guiding, leading, and supervising people to perform the work. It involves assigning tasks, communicating clear instructions, motivating the team, resolving day-to-day problems, and making on-the-spot decisions to keep activities moving toward the plan. This leadership and coordination are what actually drives execution, ensuring the work gets done as intended. After directing, you’d typically move into controlling—monitoring performance and making adjustments as needed to stay on course.