12.
Explanation
Control is an essential function of management that involves monitoring and regulating activities and processes to ensure that they align with organizational goals and standards. The basic steps in the control process typically include the following:
1. Establishing Standards:
- The first step in control is setting clear and measurable standards or benchmarks against which performance can be compared. These standards can be based on organizational goals, industry benchmarks, or historical performance data.
2. Measuring Performance:
- Once standards are established, the next step is to measure actual performance. This involves collecting data and information on how well processes, projects, or individuals are performing.
3. Comparing Performance to Standards:
- In this step, a comparison is made between the actual performance and the established standards. This comparison helps identify any deviations or variations from the desired outcomes.
4. Analyzing Deviations:
- When deviations from standards are identified, the next step is to analyze why they occurred. Understanding the root causes of deviations is crucial for effective control.
5. Taking Corrective Action:
- Based on the analysis of deviations, corrective action is taken to address any problems or issues. This may involve adjusting processes, reallocating resources, providing additional training, or making other necessary changes.
6. Follow-Up and Feedback:
- Control is an ongoing process. After taking corrective action, it’s important to continue monitoring performance to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved. Feedback loops are established to track progress and make further adjustments if needed.
The relationship between planning and control:
Planning and control are two interrelated functions of management that work in tandem to achieve organizational goals:
1. Setting Objectives: Planning involves setting objectives and defining the desired outcomes. Control, on the other hand, involves measuring performance against these objectives.
2. Standards and Benchmarks: During the planning process, standards and benchmarks are established to guide future actions. Control uses these standards as a reference point to evaluate whether the planned objectives are being met.
3. Feedback Loop: Control provides a feedback loop that helps in assessing the effectiveness of the planning process. If deviations from the plan occur, it indicates that the initial planning may need adjustment or that the plan was not executed as intended.
4. Continuous Improvement: Both planning and control contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. Planning sets the direction and goals, while control ensures that actions are aligned with those goals and provides insights for refining future plans.
5. Alignment: Effective control ensures that activities and resources are aligned with the planned objectives. It helps in avoiding drift or deviations from the intended course of action.
Conclusion : Planning and control are complementary functions in management. Planning sets the course and goals, while control ensures that the organization stays on track and makes necessary adjustments to achieve those goals. The control process relies on the standards and objectives
established during the planning phase, creating a seamless connection between these two vital management functions.