Controlling
is an important function of management. Its importance becomes apparent when we
find that it is needed in all the functions of management. Controlling checks
mistakes and tells us how new challenges can be met or faced. The success of
the organisation thus hinges on the effective controlling.
Controlling
is the last function of the management process which is performed after
planning, organising, staffing and directing. On the other hand, management
control means the process to be adopted in order to complete the function of
controlling. The following steps are included in it:
(i) Setting performance standards,
(ii) Measurement of actual performance,
(iii) Comparison of actual performance with standards,
(iv) Analysis deviations, and
(v) Taking corrective action.
The
importance of controlling becomes clear from the following facts:
Judging accuracy of standards:Through strategic controlling we can easily judge whether the standard or target set are accurate or not. An accurate control system revises standards from time to time to match them with environmental changes.
Facilitate coordination in action: Control helps to maintain equilibrium between means and ends. Controlling makes sure that proper direction is taken and that various factors are maintained properly. All the departments are controlled according to predetermined standards which are well coordinated with one another. Control provides unity of direction.
Controlling helps in improving the performance of the employees: Controlling insists on continuous check on the employees and control helps in creating an atmosphere of order and discipline. Under controlling function it is made sure that employees are aware of their duties and responsibilities very clearly.They must know clearly the standards against which their performance will be judged. These standards help the employees to work efficiently.
Control can be exercised on employees’ performance through following measures:
Self-appraisal
report:
The employees are asked to prepare a report of their performance
and to explain whether their performance is in accordance with plan or not. In
this report employees specify their achievements.
Performance
appraisal report by supervisors:
The superiors continuously monitor and observe the employees
when they are performing the job and comparison between the standard and actual
performance is done. On the basis of this observation the managers prepare
performance appraisal report.
These reports become the base for giving promotions, increments,
bonus etc. to the employees. To have good report the employees perform
efficiently and effectively.
Controlling helps in minimising the errors: Small errors or small mistakes may not seriously affect the
organisation. But if these errors are repeated again and again it will become a
serious matter and can bring disaster for the organisation.
An effective controlling system helps in minimising the errors
by continuous monitoring and check. The managers try to detect the error on
time and take remedial steps to minimise the effect of error.
Accomplishing
Organisational Goals:The controlling process is implemented to take care of the
plans. With the help of controlling, deviations are immediately detected and
corrective action is taken. Therefore, the difference between the expected
results and the actual results is reduced to the minimum. In this way,
controlling is helpful in achieving the goals of the organisation.
Judging Accuracy of Standards: While performing the function of controlling, a manager compares
the actual work performance with the standards. He tries to find out whether
the laid down standards are not more or less than the general standards. In
case of need, they are redefined.
Making Efficient Use of
Resources: Controlling makes it possible to use human and physical
resources efficiently. Under controlling, it is ensured that no employee
deliberately delays his work performance. In the same way, wastage in all the
physical resources is checked.
Improving Employee Motivation: Through the medium of controlling, an effort is made to motivate
the employees. The implementation of controlling makes all the employees to
work with complete dedication because they know that their work performance
will be evaluated and if the progress report is satisfactory, they will have
their identity established in the organisation.
Ensuring Order and Discipline:Controlling ensures order and discipline. With its
implementation, all the undesirable activities like theft, corruption, delay in
work and uncooperative attitude are checked.
Through the medium of controlling an effort is made to find out
whether the production is being carried out in accordance with the orders
received. If not, the causes of deviation are found out and corrective action
is initiated and hence, coordination between both the departments is
established.
Limitations of Controlling:
1. Difficulty in
setting quantitative standards:
Control system loses its effectiveness when standard of
performance cannot be defined in quantitative terms and it is very difficult to
set quantitative standard for human behaviour, efficiency level, job
satisfaction, employee’s morale, etc. In such cases judgment depends upon the
discretion of manager.
No comments:
Post a Comment