Control is a fundamental function of management that plays a pivotal role in ensuring the achievement of organizational goals and minimizing deviations from established standards. This article explores the concept of control in management, its significance, and the key elements involved in the control process.
Key Facts
- Definition: Control in management is a function that helps to check errors, minimize deviations from standards, and ensure the achievement of organizational goals.
- Primary goal-oriented function: Control is a primary function of management that focuses on ensuring that activities are performed according to plans and standards.
- Comparison and corrective action: Control involves comparing actual performance with set standards and taking corrective action to address any deviations or errors.
- Continuous process: Control is a continuous process that requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment to ensure that activities remain on track.
- Link with planning: Control is closely linked with the planning function of management. Planning establishes objectives and methods, while control measures and directs actual performance against those planned goals.
- Elements of control: A control system typically consists of four basic elements: the characteristic or condition to be controlled, the sensor, the comparator, and the activator.
- Importance of feedback: Feedback plays a crucial role in the control process. It provides information about the effectiveness of actions and helps in making adjustments to achieve desired results.
Definition of Control in Management
Control in management refers to the process of monitoring and evaluating actual performance against predetermined standards, with the aim of identifying and addressing deviations or errors. It involves taking corrective actions to ensure that activities are performed according to plans and standards, thereby facilitating the attainment of organizational objectives.
Control as a Primary Goal-Oriented Function
Control is a primary goal-oriented function of management that focuses on ensuring that activities are performed according to plans and standards. It involves establishing performance standards, measuring actual performance, comparing actual performance with standards, and taking corrective action to address any deviations or errors. By doing so, control helps organizations stay on track and achieve their desired goals.
Comparison, Corrective Action, and Continuous Monitoring
Control involves comparing actual performance with set standards to identify deviations or errors. Once deviations are identified, corrective action is taken to address the root causes of the deviations and bring performance back in line with standards. Control is a continuous process that requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment to ensure that activities remain on track and deviations are promptly addressed.
Link between Control and Planning
Control is closely linked with the planning function of management. Planning establishes objectives and methods for achieving those objectives, while control measures and directs actual performance against those planned goals. Effective control ensures that activities are aligned with the organization’s strategic direction and that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve desired outcomes.
Elements of a Control System
A control system typically consists of four basic elements:
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Characteristic or Condition to be Controlled
This refers to the specific aspect of performance or operation that is being monitored and controlled.
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Sensor
The sensor measures the actual performance or condition and provides feedback to the control system.
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Comparator
The comparator compares the actual performance with the predetermined standards and identifies deviations or errors.
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Activator
The activator initiates corrective action to address the deviations or errors and bring performance back in line with standards.
Importance of Feedback in Control
Feedback plays a crucial role in the control process. It provides information about the effectiveness of actions taken and helps in making adjustments to achieve desired results. Timely and accurate feedback enables managers to identify areas where performance is not meeting standards and take appropriate corrective measures to improve performance.
Conclusion
Control is an essential function of management that ensures the achievement of organizational goals and minimizes deviations from standards. It involves comparing actual performance with set standards, taking corrective action to address deviations, and continuously monitoring and adjusting activities to stay on track. Effective control enables organizations to operate efficiently, adapt to changing circumstances, and achieve their desired outcomes.
References
- Controlling – A Function of Management. (2023, November 27). Taxmann. https://www.taxmann.com/post/blog/controlling-a-function-of-management/
- Vancil, R. F. (1973). What Kind of Management Control Do You Need? Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/1973/03/what-kind-of-management-control-do-you-need
- Control (management). (2023, August 14). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_(management)
FAQs
What is control in management?
Control in management refers to the process of monitoring and evaluating actual performance against predetermined standards, with the aim of identifying and addressing deviations or errors. It involves taking corrective actions to ensure that activities are performed according to plans and standards, thereby facilitating the attainment of organizational objectives.
Why is control important in management?
Control is important in management because it helps organizations stay on track and achieve their desired goals. It ensures that activities are performed according to plans and standards, resources are utilized efficiently and effectively, and deviations from standards are promptly addressed.
What are the key elements of a control system?
The key elements of a control system typically include:
- Characteristic or condition to be controlled
- Sensor
- Comparator
- Activator
How does control link with planning in management?
Control is closely linked with planning in management. Planning establishes objectives and methods for achieving those objectives, while control measures and directs actual performance against those planned goals. Effective control ensures that activities are aligned with the organization’s strategic direction and that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve desired outcomes.
What is the role of feedback in control?
Feedback plays a crucial role in the control process. It provides information about the effectiveness of actions taken and helps in making adjustments to achieve desired results. Timely and accurate feedback enables managers to identify areas where performance is not meeting standards and take appropriate corrective measures to improve performance.
What are some common control techniques used in management?
Some common control techniques used in management include:
- Establishing performance standards
- Measuring actual performance
- Comparing actual performance with standards
- Taking corrective action to address deviations
- Monitoring and adjusting activities to stay on track
How can control help organizations adapt to changing circumstances?
Control helps organizations adapt to changing circumstances by providing timely information about deviations from standards and enabling managers to take appropriate corrective actions. By continuously monitoring performance and making necessary adjustments, organizations can remain flexible and responsive to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and other external factors.
How does control contribute to the achievement of organizational goals?
Control contributes to the achievement of organizational goals by ensuring that activities are performed according to plans and standards, resources are utilized efficiently and effectively, and deviations from standards are promptly addressed. Effective control helps organizations stay on track, adapt to changing circumstances, and ultimately achieve their desired outcomes.