Director Definition

What does a director do?

The specific definition of a director — as well as a director’s duties — differs from organization to organization. A small business may have different needs than a large corporation, resulting in different duties for its directors. But in every case, a director manages a business based on established rules and policies. 

Director: Example of Duties

There are a lot of things a director could be responsible for. In some companies, each department or segment of the company — such as the marketing or sales department — has its own director. Here are a few things that a director might do: 

• Develop and implement ideas for growth and management
• Manage business operations
• Enforce company policies 
• Organize meetings with staff members and shareholders
• Manage other employees and delegate duties
• Ensure records are properly maintained

This role can also be fluid, meeting the different needs of the company as they arise. 

Is the director an owner of the company?

In a limited liability company, the owners are the members. In a corporation, owners are shareholders. Depending on the policies of the business, a director could have an ownership interest in the business, but it is not necessary. 

Skills of a Company Director

Not everyone is leadership material. There are some important characteristics that a director should have: 

• Management skills
• Written and verbal skills
• Leadership qualities 
• Decision-making ability
• Adaptability 
• Creativity

Directors have a lot to think about, which means they have to be willing to fill whatever role is needed. 

What is the difference between a director and a manager?

Though there is no one structure for a business, generally, a director has authority over managers. A director oversees management teams. Some organizations may consider this at the executive level. In most cases, vice presidents manage directors, and chief executives oversee vice presidents. Mid-to-large businesses often have a chief executive officer (CEO) who oversees the highest level of management. 

The size and scope of the business and type of legal entity often dictate what roles are necessary for the company to operate. An early start-up may not be ready for a full suite of executives and management, while a large established business may have multiple directors and upper management employees. 

Director Benefits

There are a number of benefits of having a director or multiple directors in place. Having big-picture oversight of management executions can help keep everyone on task. A director is a person able to communicate the roles of managers and other employees to executives, board members, investors, and others. This can lead to greater organizational success. 

Director Disadvantages

There are very few situations where having a director in place would be a disadvantage. In some cases, the business may not be large enough to need director oversight. There may not be enough employees to justify multi-level management. Putting someone in an upper management position just to fill a title could result in unqualified leadership. 

Summary

In a broad sense, a director is someone who oversees managers and other employees within a company. They may wear many different hats depending on the size and scope of the business. 

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