Providing Direction: A Key Managerial Leadership Practice

Abstract

C-level executives and first line supervisors alike need to effectively provide direction that contributes to achieving desired organizational outcomes. After reviewing some relevant literature, a practical operational definition for providing direction and a practice-oriented framework are offered. This framework responds to calls from practice minded scholars, educators, and practitioners to close the gap between theory and the real-world practice of leadership. Six key action areas, which in practice are dynamically inter-related, are integrated into this framework. The application value and implications along with some challenges are presented. This article contributes to advancing the practice, applied research and teaching relating to the key managerial leadership practice of providing direction.