Which management function involves directing the activities and motivating staff to carry out plans?

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

Answer: (C)

Directing is the management function that involves guiding people to carry out plans and keeping motivation high to achieve objectives. After plans are set and resources arranged, directing focuses on leading daily activities, assigning tasks, and ensuring everyone understands their role. It combines supervision, leadership, communication, and motivation so that the team remains focused, engaged, and productive as the plan is implemented. This is why it fits the prompt: it specifically covers directing activities and energizing staff to execute the planned work. Planning is about deciding what to do, staffing is about getting the right people in place, and controlling is about measuring performance and taking corrective action; none of these center on guiding execution and motivating people in the moment like directing does.