'Supervision is an important element of directing function'. Explain any four reasons in support of this statement.
The importance of supervision can be understood after analysing the functions of a supervisor in the following points:
(i) Maintains contact: A supervisor maintains day-to-day contact and friendly relations with the workers. He guides and instructs them like a friend, philosopher and guide.
(ii) Acts as a link: A supervisor acts as a link between workers and managers, as he conveys management ideas and instructions to the workers and workers' grievances and suggestions to the managers. Thus, it helps to reduce conflicts and misunderstandings between the two groups.
(iii) Maintains group unity: A supervisor sorts out differences among workers in order to maintain group unity and harmony within the organisation.
(iv) Ensures performance: A supervisor is responsible for the achievement of goals, for which he motivates his employees and ensures performance in the organisation.