Explain the role of supervision as an element of directing function of management. 

Being an element of directing, every manager in the organisation supervises his subordinates. In this sense, supervision can be understood as the process of guiding the efforts of employees and other resources to accomplish the desired objectives. It means overseeing what is being done by subordinates and giving instructions to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and achievement of work targets.

Roles performed by a supervisor are explained below:
(i) Supervisor maintains day-to-day contact and maintains friendly relations with workers. A good supervisor acts as a guide, friend and philosopher to the workers.
(ii) Supervisor acts as a link between workers and management. He conveys management ideas to the workers on one hand and workers problems to the management on the other. This role played by supervisor helps to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts between management and workers/employees.
(iii) Supervisor plays a key role in maintaining group unity among workers placed under his control. He sorts out internal differences and maintains harmony among workers.
(iv) Supervisor ensures the performance of work according to the targets set. He takes responsibility for task achievement and motivates his workers effectively.
(v) Supervisor provides good on-the-job training to the workers and employees. A skilled and knowledgeable supervisor can build an efficient team of workers.
(vi) Supervisory leadership plays a key role in influencing the workers in the organisation. A supervisor with good leadership qualities can build up high morale among workers.
(vii) A good supervisor analyses the work performed and gives feedback to the workers. He suggests ways and means of developing work skills.