A supervisor is not at all required in an organisation. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Or

“The post of supervisor should be abolished in the hierarchy of managers”.

Or

Explain by giving any four points, how supervision is an important element of directing.

Or

“Supervision is an important element of directing function”. Explain any four reasons in support of the above statement.

Or

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

No, I do not agree with this statement. Following are the reasons of it:
(i) Facilitates Control: Under supervision, supervisor keeps a close eye on his subordinates. Wherever he finds any flaws in the work-in-progress, he rectifies them then and there itself. From time to time deviations are noted by comparing actual work performance and the desired work performance. Corrective measures are taken if the need is felt. In this manner, supervision assures control.

(ii) Optimum Utilisation of Resources: Under supervision, all the activities are closely monitored. In this situation, better utilisation of all the resources like human, material, machinery, etc. takes place. The problem is at once solved because the employees are always under a close watch. As a result, they start doing effective work in minimum possible time.

(iii) Maintenance of Discipline: Close eye and timely guidance of the employees teaches them a lesson of discipline. When special attention is given to the employees during their work and their every problem is solved at the first instance, this builds pressure on their mind to maintain discipline.

(iv) Feedback: During supervision, a supervisor is always in direct contact with his subordinates. As a result, ideas, suggestions, complaints, etc. of employees with regard to managerial decisions are continuously received by the supervisor. This facilitates the process of receiving feedback and helps to take better managerial decisions.

(v) Improves Communication: Whenever a situation of dispute arises between any two parties, the main reason for it is lack of communication. Under supervision, supervisor gives orders and directions to his subordinates. Also, he, in turn, receives feedback from them. On the other hand, subordinates communicate their ideas, suggestions, complaints, etc. to the supervisor. In this manner, a friendly atmosphere is created between both the parties. This strengthens free communication.

(vi) Improves Motivation: Every employee aspires to see himself as an important part of the organisation. During supervision, a supervisor divides the work in a manner that makes every person feel the responsibility for an important job in the organisation. By getting this kind of importance, an employee feels motivated and he takes his responsibility with more diligence.