The Seven Principles of Effective Hotel Management

Effective directing involves effective supervision, communication, motivation and leadership. All of these contribute to a hotel’s growth and stability. The function of directing is irreplaceable. There are no substitutes for directing. You either have it or you do not. When it exists, it takes one form or another, but each is unique and irreplaceable. Unfortunately, when supervision, communication, motivation and leadership do not converge, it is anything but directing. The following are some of the basic principles of directing:

The Principle of Objectives

This principle establishes that, for effective directing, there must be harmony between individual objectives and organisational objectives. A sound directing system should encourage the fulfilment of individual objectives while contributing to the achievement of the organisation’s objectives.

The Principle of Hierarchy and Supervision

A subordinate should receive orders and instructions from only one superior. A subordinate should report to only one superior. This is necessary because no one can serve two bosses at the same time. Therefore, managers should, as far as possible, ensure direct supervision. Through direct supervision, superiors can communicate more effectively with their subordinates. In addition, they can see problems first-hand and receive suggestions from subordinates immediately.

The Principle of Leadership

Effective leadership is essential to effective directing. Therefore, managers must adopt an appropriate leadership style to ensure the effectiveness of directing. A leadership style that is effective in one environment may not be effective in another. Therefore, the manager must adopt an appropriate style to obtain the desired response from subordinates.

The Principle of Two-Way Communication

The principle of direct two-way communication is a very sound principle for ensuring the effectiveness of directing. It provides a free flow of ideas, information, suggestions and complaints between the superior and their subordinates.

The Principle of Motivation

It establishes that, for directing to be effective, a manager must motivate their subordinates. A manager must design and use appropriate techniques to satisfy the physiological and psychological needs of their subordinates. Satisfied subordinates are ready to accept orders and instructions willingly. Therefore, the managerial task of directing becomes more effective and easier.

The Principle of Individual Contribution

The principle of individual contribution refers to the fact that the manager should seek to maximise individual contribution towards achieving objectives. Therefore, directing should aim to maximise individual contribution. This principle establishes that directing can be more effective if the manager ensures the participation of subordinates in the directing process. Therefore, a manager should seek and consider the ideas, opinions, views and suggestions of subordinates before issuing instructions.

The Principle of Informality

The principle of informality requires that, for effective directing, a manager must develop informal relationships with their subordinates. A manager should therefore promote and recognise informal groups and their leaders. Informal relationships can increase the effectiveness of directing because it is easier to secure people’s cooperation through such relationships. In summary, the main elements, components or techniques of directing are as follows:

1. Issuing orders and instructions,
2. Supervision,
3. Motivation,
4. Leadership,
5. Communication.
6. Control.

The first and most important step in the directing process relates to the issuing of orders and instructions. A manager is required to issue orders and instructions to initiate, modify or stop any action. Every instruction...

• Must be logical, persuasive and acceptable.
• Must be consistent with the organisation’s objectives, policies and rules.
• Should, as far as possible, be in writing.
• Must be properly worded.
• Must be capable of securing cooperation.
• Must specify the time by which it must be carried out.
• Must pass through the managerial hierarchy from top to bottom.
• Must be supported by feedback or follow-up instructions.

Supervision is an essential element of the directing process. The term "supervision" is made up of two words: "super" and "vision". Supervision, therefore, means oversight by a superior of subordinates at work. Every superior (manager) must ensure that their subordinates work according to established plans and standards. Therefore, supervision is the process of ensuring that subordinates perform in accordance with plans, policies, programmes, procedures, methods, rules and so on. Although supervision is important at all levels of management, it relates primarily to the operational level of management. A supervisor is usually a first-line manager who works with rank-and-file employees. They teach their subordinates how their work can be performed better. They explain the organisation’s procedures, methods, rules and so on. In addition, the supervisor also examines the problems and complaints of their subordinates and helps them resolve them. Motivating means arousing the desire in the minds of subordinates to do their best for the organisation. It is a process that stimulates or inspires individuals and groups to do things with the greatest enthusiasm and commitment. Motivation fulfils employees’ needs and meets their expectations. It creates a willingness among employees to contribute more to their work. This leads to higher performance. In addition, motivated employees can readily accept organisational changes. All of this helps achieve the organisation’s objectives efficiently and effectively. It is therefore every manager’s task to motivate their subordinates. They must use financial and non-financial incentives to motivate employees. They must make every effort to satisfy employees’ intrinsic and extrinsic needs in order to motivate them. Leadership plays a vital role in management. The quality of leadership generally determines the success or failure of an organisation. There are different leadership styles. Every manager must develop and adopt the style that can best inspire individuals and groups to achieve superior, effective and performance-oriented results. Communication is the process by which two or more people exchange information, facts, ideas, emotions and understanding. It is a systematic process of transmitting or exchanging, listening to and carefully understanding a message. Communication is successful only when the desired response is obtained. Therefore, every manager must develop a sound two-way communication system. In addition, they must also respond to feedback and communications received from subordinates. Control is the final major element of the management process. This function aims to ensure that everything takes place in accordance with plans and that predetermined objectives are successfully achieved. Therefore, this function aims to make things happen in order to achieve objectives. In short, control means checking and correcting activities to ensure that things happen in accordance with plans and objectives.