CONTROLLING Controlling is the process of ensuring the

CONTROLLING Controlling is the process of ensuring the achievement of an organization’s objectives. It is also the process by which managers assure that resources are obtained and used effectively and efficiently in the accomplishment of the organization’s objectives.

The Controlling Process The controlling process has three basic steps 1. Establishing standards against which performance can be measured 2. Comparing actual performance against standard or with expected performance. 3. Correcting deviations or straightening up what is crooked.

Types of Control Three types of control are often employed in organizations. They are: Feed-forward (Preliminary), Concurrent (Steering), and Feedback (Post-Action) control.

1. Feed-Forward or Preliminary Control - This type of control is preventive in nature. It identifies major problems before they occur. It is designed to eliminate the cause of any deviation that might occur later. It is also established before the activity takes place. This is the best type of control since it allows deviations to be corrected before they seriously lead to the non-realization of the organization’s objectives. E. g. If a student is doing poorly in a course at the beginning of a semester, he/she should not wait until the end of the term to make changes in his study habits. He/she must make adjustment before it is too late. Note: It is important to note that planning and feed-forward control are two related but different process. Planning answers the question, “where are we going and how will we get there? ” Feed-forward control addresses the issue, “What can we do a head of time to help our plan succeed? ” 2. Concurrent or Steering Control – This involves monitoring and adjusting ongoing activities and processes to ensure compliance with standards. The key feature of this control is the capability to take corrective action when the deviation has taken place but the task has not been completed. E. g. the sooner the failing student gets tutoring in his course, the better are his chances of passing the course.

3. Feedback or Post-action control – This is the gathering about a completed activity, evaluating that information, and taking steps to improve similar activities in the future. Feedback control permits managers to use information on past performance to bring future performance in line with planned objectives and acceptable standards. In summary, a successful manager must exercise all three types of control in today’s complex organizations. Feed-forward (preliminary) control helps managers avoid mistakes in the first place; Concurrent (steering) control enables them to catch mistakes as they are being made; Feedback (post action) control keeps them from repeating past mistakes. A workable balance among the three types of control is desirable.