Types of Control in Management
Controlling is the fourth of the four functions of management, following planning, organizing, and directing. It is the process of monitoring performance, comparing it to standards, and taking corrective action as needed.
There are two main types of control in management:
- Feedforward control: This type of control is designed to prevent problems from happening in the first place. It is done by setting standards and procedures and then monitoring performance to ensure that the standards are being met.
- Feedback control: This type of control is designed to correct problems that have already occurred. It is done by comparing actual performance to standards and then taking corrective action to bring performance back in line with the standards.
Other types of control in management:
- Output control: This type of control focuses on the results of the organization’s activities. It is measured by financial statements, productivity reports, and customer satisfaction surveys.
- Behavioral control: This type of control focuses on the way that employees behave. It is measured by the number of accidents, the number of customer complaints, and the number of employee grievances.
- Personnel control: This type of control focuses on the selection, training, and development of employees. It is measured by the number of employees who are promoted, the number of employees who leave the organization, and the number of employees who are disciplined.
- Cybernetic control: This type of control is used in systems that are self-regulating. It is based on feedback loops that monitor the system’s performance and make adjustments as needed.
MCQs on Types of Control in Management
- Which of the following is not a type of control in management?
- Feedforward control
- Feedback control
- Output control
- Planning
The answer is Planning. Planning is a function of management that comes before controlling.
- Which of the following is the most important type of control in management?
- Feedforward control
- Feedback control
- Output control
- Behavioral control
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the most important type of control will vary depending on the situation. However, feedback control is often considered to be the most important type of control because it can help to correct problems that have already occurred.
- Which of the following is a way to improve controlling?
- Set clear and measurable goals.
- Collect accurate data on performance. Regularly compare performance to standards.
- Take corrective action promptly.
- All of the above
The answer is All of the above. All of these methods can help to improve controlling.
Conclusion
The choice of which type of control to use will depend on the specific situation. However, by understanding the different types of control, managers can choose the most appropriate type for their needs.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right type of control:
- Consider the nature of the problem. If the problem is likely to occur in the future, then feedforward control is a good option. If the problem has already occurred, then feedback control is a good option.
- Consider the cost of the control. Feedforward control is often more expensive than feedback control.
- Consider the time it takes to implement the control. Feedforward control can take longer to implement than feedback control.
- Consider the impact of the control on employees. Feedforward control can be seen as more intrusive than feedback control.
By considering these factors, managers can choose the right type of control for their needs.