Functions of Management: Control

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Introduction: The Control Function of Management

One of the main managerial functions like planning, organizing, staffing & directing, control/controlling as a function is essentially the error & check & balance of all management functions, corrective by nature to ensure that organizational goals are met according to standards set. Before the 90's, control was seen as applied when errors or deviance are detected. The modern idea of the control function however sees it applied as part of pre-planning as it is a function that foresees & accounts for the possibility of errors backed up by plans that are meant to deal with errors & deviations. Thus the control function is now seen to set the standards, measure performance & deal with errors & problems for corrective action.Early French management theorist Henry Fayol in his 1916 monograph "General & Industrial Management" proposed the control function as such -

"Control of an undertaking consists of seeing that everything is being carried out in accordance with the plan which has been adopted, the orders which have been given, and the principles which have been laid down. Its object is to point out mistakes in order that they may be rectified and prevented from recurring."

What then characterizes the function of Control? While there are varied interpretations according to industry (private companies for instance have particular interpretations according to industry & nature of organization or business compared to the characteristics of control described & defined by Federal or government institutions which is more or less uniform), the characteristics can be interpreted as such:

a continuous process
a management process
embedded in each level of organisational hierarchy
is forward looking
is closely linked with planning
is a tool for achieving organisational activities

Four elements have been identified in the control system. The first element, the characteristic or condition of the operating system (which is to be measured) is a selected specific characteristic primarily because of the correlation that exists between it and the manner by which the organizational management/system works. It could perhaps be the rate of pay & benefits for the company as it could be a reason behind the success in employee contentment or discontentment in terms of compensation. The second element, the sensor, is used to measure the first element. For instance, the rate of pay & benefits could be measured by comparing it to that which is standard in the industry and if it is above that which is expected of minimum ...