The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of directives in the context of organizational behavior. A directive is an instruction or order from a higher authority that must be followed by subordinates. Directives can be formal or informal, but in either case, they are an integral part of organizational life, and understanding how they are used and how they affect behavior is important for effective management.
Directives can be seen as a form of communication, and research in communication has shown that directives are an important way of influencing behavior. Directives are often used to tell people what to do, and they can also be used to set expectations and establish norms. Furthermore, directives can be used to create a sense of accountability and to motivate people to work towards a goal.
When it comes to organizational behavior, directives can be used to shape the behavior of employees. In particular, directives can be used to create a culture of compliance and to ensure that employees follow rules and regulations. Directives can also be used to provide guidance on how to perform certain tasks, and to set expectations about how employees should behave in certain situations.
Directives can also have a positive effect on the morale of employees. Research has shown that when employees receive directives that are clear, reasonable, and consistent, they can be more motivated and productive. On the other hand, directives that are overly restrictive or unclear can lead to confusion and frustration among employees.
Finally, it is important to note that directives can be misused. For example, some managers may use directives to micromanage their employees or to control their behavior. In such cases, it can be difficult for employees to feel empowered and to be motivated to do their best work.
In conclusion, directives are an important part of organizational behavior and can be used to influence employee behavior in a positive way. It is important for managers to understand the power of directives and to use them appropriately in order to create an effective work environment.
References
Chang, J. R., & Murphy, K. R. (2017). The effectiveness of directive communication in influencing behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology, 102(7), 1076–1086. https://doi.org/10.1037/apl0000236
Furnham, A., & Gunter, B. (1990). The effects of directive, supportive and non-directive behavior on job satisfaction. International Journal of Psychology, 25(3), 469–477. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207599008246722
McGregor, D. (1960). The human side of enterprise. McGraw-Hill.