The control function in management plays a crucial role in ensuring that an organization’s activities align with its established goals and objectives. It is a process through which an organization influences its sub-units and members to achieve desired outcomes (Bateman & Snell, 2013). This article delves into the definition, purpose, process, timing, and types of control in management, drawing insights from reputable sources such as Toppr, FHSU Pressbooks, and The Business Professor.
Key Facts
- Definition: The control function can be defined as the process by which an organization influences its sub-units and members to ensure that their performance aligns with established standards and goals.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of the control function is to ensure that the organization makes progress towards its established goals. It involves installing processes to guide the team towards goals and monitoring performance towards those goals.
- Control Process: The control process consists of four steps: setting standards or goals, monitoring performance, comparing actual performance to standards, and making adjustments as necessary.
- Timing of Control: Control mechanisms can be implemented at different stages of the implementation of a plan. Feedforward control occurs before operations begin, concurrent control happens during the implementation, and feedback control uses information from previous results to make adjustments for future plans.
- Types of Control: There are different types of control processes that managers can use. Bureaucratic control involves implementing official policies or rules within the organization, while market control uses external information as a standard to measure internal progress.
Definition and Purpose of Control Function
The control function can be defined as the process by which an organization influences its sub-units and members to ensure that their performance aligns with established standards and goals (Toppr, 2022). The primary purpose of the control function is to ensure that the organization makes progress towards its established goals. It involves installing processes to guide the team towards goals and monitoring performance towards those goals (FHSU Pressbooks, 2020).
The Control Process
The control process consists of four steps:
- Setting Standards or Goals: This involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals or standards against which performance will be evaluated.
- Monitoring Performance: This involves collecting data and information to assess actual performance and track progress towards goals.
- Comparing Actual Performance to Standards: This involves comparing actual performance against established standards to identify deviations and variances.
- Making Adjustments as Necessary: This involves taking corrective actions to address deviations from standards and ensure that performance aligns with goals.
Timing of Control
Control mechanisms can be implemented at different stages of the implementation of a plan (FHSU Pressbooks, 2020):
- Feedforward Control: This occurs before operations begin and involves putting in place policies, procedures, and rules to prevent potential problems.
- Concurrent Control: This happens during the implementation of the plan and involves making adjustments to address issues as they arise.
- Feedback Control: This uses information from previous results to make adjustments for future plans.
Types of Control
There are different types of control processes that managers can use (FHSU Pressbooks, 2020):
- Bureaucratic Control: This involves implementing official policies or rules within the organization to guide behavior and ensure compliance.
- Market Control: This uses external information as a standard to measure internal progress. For example, comparing sales figures with industry benchmarks.
- Clan Control: This relies on shared values, beliefs, and norms within the organization to influence behavior and ensure alignment with goals.
Conclusion
The control function in management is essential for ensuring that an organization achieves its goals and objectives. Through the control process, organizations can monitor performance, identify deviations, and take corrective actions to stay on track. The timing and type of control used depend on the specific context and situation. Effective control systems help organizations adapt to changing circumstances, improve efficiency, and enhance overall performance.
References:
- Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2013). Management: Leading & collaborating in a competitive world (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- FHSU Pressbooks. (2020). Controlling. In The Four Functions of Management. https://fhsu.pressbooks.pub/management/chapter/controlling/
- Toppr. (2022). Meaning of Controlling: Controlling Function and Its Importance, Examples. https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-studies/controlling/meaning-of-controlling/
FAQs
What is the control function in management?
The control function in management is the process of ensuring that an organization’s The control function in management is the process of ensuring that an organization’s activities align with its established goals and objectives. It involves monitoring performance, identifying deviations, and taking corrective actions to stay on track.
What are the steps involved in the control process?
The control process typically consists of four steps:
- Setting standards or goals
- Monitoring performance
- Comparing actual performance to standards
- Making adjustments as necessary
What are the different types of control in management?
Common types of control in management include:
- Bureaucratic control: Using official policies and rules to guide behavior.
- Market control: Using external information as a benchmark to measure internal progress.
- Clan control: Relying on shared values, beliefs, and norms to influence behavior.
What is the purpose of control in management?
The purpose of control in management is to ensure that the organization achieves its goals and objectives. It helps organizations stay on track, adapt to changing circumstances, improve efficiency, and enhance overall performance.
When should control be implemented in management?
Control should be implemented throughout the management process, from planning and organizing to leading and controlling. It is an ongoing process that helps organizations stay aligned with their goals and objectives.
Who is responsible for control in management?
Control is the responsibility of all managers at all levels of the organization. However, top management is ultimately responsible for establishing the control system and ensuring its effectiveness.
What are some common challenges in implementing control in management?
Some common challenges in implementing control in management include:
- Resistance to change
- Lack of clear goals and objectives
- Inadequate or inaccurate information
- Poorly designed control systems
- Unrealistic expectations
How can control in management be improved?
Control in management can be improved by:
- Setting clear and measurable goals
- Establishing an effective control system
- Providing managers with the necessary resources and authority
- Creating a culture of accountability
- Regularly reviewing and updating the control system