Which managerial function involves directing the activities of people to ensure proper job performance?

The function that specifically involves directing the activities of people to ensure proper job performance is indeed directing. This managerial function encompasses guiding, leading, and motivating employees to facilitate effective accomplishment of tasks and objectives within an organization. It includes communication, motivation, and providing direction to employees, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities and are engaged in their work.

Directing is crucial because it not only focuses on what needs to be done but also on how to best help individuals achieve their targets. This may involve personal interactions with team members, coaching, and providing feedback, which can enhance both individual and organizational performance.

In contrast, the other functions, such as controlling, organizing, and evaluating, play different roles in the management process. Controlling is about monitoring and adjusting performance to meet goals; organizing involves arranging resources and tasks to achieve objectives; and evaluating focuses on assessing performance and outcomes rather than directing activities. Each of these functions supports directing but does not encompass the specific act of guiding and leading personnel directly.