The control process is a crucial function in management, ensuring activities align with organizational goals. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps and methods managers use to maintain control:

Steps in the Control Process:

1. Setting Standards:Managers establish clear performance standards for individuals, teams, or departments. These standards can be quantitative (e.g., sales targets) or qualitative (e.g., customer satisfaction levels).
2. Measuring Performance:Managers gather data to track actual performance against set standards. This can involve sales reports, customer feedback surveys, or project progress reports.
3. Comparing Performance:Measured performance is compared against the established standards to identify any deviations.
4. Taking Corrective Action:If significant deviations arise, managers take corrective action to get performance back on track. This might involve adjusting strategies, providing additional resources, or employee coaching.
5. Evaluating and Refining:The control process itself is constantly evaluated and refined. Managers assess the effectiveness of the chosen standards and adjust them if necessary.

Managerial Control Methods:

• Feedforward Controls:These controls are preventive in nature. Managers anticipate potential problems and implement measures to avoid them. Examples include budget controls, quality control procedures, or risk management strategies.
• Concurrent Controls:These controls monitor activities as they happen. Performance data is collected and analyzed in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments if necessary. Inventory control systems or production line monitoring are examples.
• Feedback Controls:These controls focus on past performance evaluations. Managers compare actual results with set standards and then take corrective actions based on the deviations. Performance reviews, financial audits, and customer satisfaction surveys fall under this category.

B. What Managers Control Today

The specific behaviors, processes, and outcomes managers control vary depending on the organization’s industry and goals. However, here are some common areas of focus in today’s management:

Behaviors:

• Employee Engagement:Managers track metrics like employee satisfaction, turnover rates, and absenteeism to assess employee engagement and take steps to improve it.
• Ethical Conduct:Organizations are increasingly concerned with ethical behavior. Managers might monitor adherence to ethical codes and implement training programs to foster ethical decision-making.
• Compliance with Regulations:Many industries have strict regulations. Managers control employee behavior to ensure adherence to these regulations and avoid legal repercussions.

Processes:

• Efficiency and Productivity:Managers monitor processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. They then implement changes to optimize workflows and improve productivity.
• Quality Control:Organizations strive to deliver consistent quality products or services. Managers implement quality control procedures and track defect rates to ensure quality standards are met.
• Innovation and Creativity:In today’s competitive environment, innovation is crucial. Managers might control processes to encourage brainstorming, experimentation, and knowledge sharing within teams.

Outcomes:

• Financial Performance:Managers are accountable for financial results. They control costs, set revenue targets, and monitor financial metrics to ensure the organization meets its financial goals.
• Customer Satisfaction:In many organizations, customer satisfaction is a key performance indicator (KPI). Managers control various processes to deliver a positive customer experience and increase satisfaction levels.
• Strategic Objectives:Overall organizational success hinges on achieving strategic goals. Managers monitor progress towards these goals and adjust strategies or allocate resources if necessary.

By effectively implementing the control process and utilizing various control methods, managers can ensure their organizations operate efficiently, ethically, and achieve their desired outcomes.