The Control Process PDF

The Control Process: Control: The process of monitoring performance, comparing it to standards, and taking corrective action. This is a continuous, dynamic, and cybernetic process. Standards: Predetermined performance expectations against which actual performance is measured. These can be quantita...

The Control Process: Control: The process of monitoring performance, comparing it to standards, and taking corrective action. This is a continuous, dynamic, and cybernetic process. Standards: Predetermined performance expectations against which actual performance is measured. These can be quantitative (e.g., sales targets) or qualitative (e.g., customer satisfaction levels). Benchmarking involves comparing performance to industry best practices. Feedback Control: Uses after-the-fact information to correct deviations from standards. This is reactive and may not prevent problems from occurring. Concurrent Control: Uses real-time information to monitor performance and take immediate corrective action. This is more proactive than feedback control. Feedforward Control: Uses anticipatory information to prevent deviations from standards. This is the most proactive type of control. Control Loss: When performance deviates significantly from standards and corrective action is ineffective. Regulation Costs: The costs associated with implementing and maintaining control systems. These costs must be weighed against the benefits of control. Cybernetic Feasibility: The extent to which a control system can be effectively implemented and maintained given the organization's resources and capabilities. Control Methods: Bureaucratic Control: Relies on rules, policies, and procedures to guide behavior. This is a top-down approach and can be inflexible. Objective Control: Measures performance based on observable behaviors or outputs. This can be quantitative (e.g., sales figures) or qualitative (e.g., customer feedback). Behavior control focuses on actions, while output control focuses on results. Normative Control: Shapes behavior through shared values, beliefs, and norms. This is a more organic approach and relies on strong organizational culture. Concertive Control: Develops values, beliefs, and rules within autonomous work groups. This is a decentralized approach and empowers employees. Self-Control (Self-Management): Individuals set their own goals, monitor their own performance, and reward or punish themselves accordingly. This requires high levels of self-discipline and motivation.