Management Function : Controlling

          The function of control consists of those activities that are undertaken to ensure that the events do not deviate from the per-arranged plans. The activities consist of establishing standards for work performance, measuring performance and comparing it to these set standards and taking corrective actions as and when needed, to correct any deviations.

          According to Koontz & O’Donell, “Controlling is the measurement & correction of performance activities of subordinates in order to make sure that the enterprise objectives and plans desired to obtain them as being accomplished”.

          Controlling systems refers to all the processes that leaders create to monitor success. Sports coaches have a saying, "Winners keep score," meaning that winners know where they are and know what is necessary to achieve a goal. This business function requires leaders to establish performance standards, measure actual performance and compare the metrics to determine anomalies. For example, a sales leader is focused on more than only the final sales numbers; he considers the leading activities such as the number of minimum pitches and outbound calls. Leaders review the data and make adjustments in processes, policies, training or personnel to address failures based on that data. Winning leaders don't look at poor performance as failures but as opportunities to solve a problem that gets the desired results.

The controlling function involves:

ü  Establishment of standard performance.

ü  Measurement of actual performance.

ü  Measuring actual performance with the pre-determined standard and finding out the deviations.

ü  Taking corrective action

The importance of controlling becomes clear from the following facts:

(1) Accomplishing Organizational Goals:

The controlling process is implemented to take care of the plans. With the help of controlling, deviations are immediately detected and corrective action is taken. Therefore, the difference between the expected results and the actual results is reduced to the minimum. In this way, controlling is helpful in achieving the goals of the organization.

(2) Judging Accuracy of Standards:

While performing the function of controlling, a manager compares the actual work performance with the standards. He tries to find out whether the laid down standards are not more or less than the general standards. In case of need, they are redefined.

(3) Making Efficient Use of Resources:

Controlling makes it possible to use human and physical resources efficiently. Under controlling, it is ensured that no employee deliberately delays his work performance. In the same way, wastage in all the physical resources is checked.

(4) Improving Employee Motivation:

Through the medium of controlling, an effort is made to motivate the employees. The implementation of controlling makes all the employees to work with complete dedication because they know that their work performance will be evaluated and if the progress report is satisfactory, they will have their identity established in the organization.

(5) Ensuring Order and Discipline:

Controlling ensures order and discipline. With its implementation, all the undesirable activities like theft, corruption, delay in work and uncooperative attitude are checked.

(6) Facilitating Coordination in Action:

Coordination among all the departments of the organization is necessary in order to achieve the organizational objectives successfully. All the departments of the organization are interdependent. For example, the supply of orders by the sales department depends on the production of goods by the production department.


Resources : Wikipedia