Controlling: Concept

Controlling is one of the important functions of a manager. In order to seek planned results from the subordinates, a manager needs to exercise effective control over the activities of the subordinates. In other words, the meaning of controlling function can be defined as ensuring that activities in an organization are performed as per the plans. Controlling also ensures that an organization’s resources are being used effectively & efficiently for the achievement of predetermined goals.

• Controlling is a goal-oriented function.
• It is a primary function of every manager.
• Controlling the function of a manager is a pervasive function.

How Controlling Function Helps Managers?

Managers at all levels of management Top, Middle & Lower – need to perform controlling function to keep control over activities in their areas. Therefore, controlling is very much important in an educational institution, military, hospital, & a club as in any business organization.

Therefore, controlling function should not be misunderstood as the last function of management. It is a function that brings back the management cycle back to the planning function. Thus, the controlling function act as a tool that helps in finding out that how actual performance deviates from standards and also finds the cause of deviations & attempts which are necessary to take corrective actions based upon the same.

This process helps in the formulation of future plans in light of the problems that were identified &, thus, helps in better planning in the future periods.  So from the meaning of controlling we understand it not only completes the management process but also improves planning in the next cycle.

Importance of Controlling

After the meaning of control, let us see its importance. Control is an indispensable function of management without which the controlling function in an organization cannot be accomplished and the best of plans which can be executed can go away. A good control system helps an organization in the following ways:

1. Accomplishing Organizational Goals

The controlling function is an accomplishment of measures that further makes progress towards the organizational goals & brings to light the deviations, & indicates corrective action. Therefore it helps in guiding the organizational goals which can be achieved by performing a controlling function.

2. Judging Accuracy of Standards

A good control system enables management to verify whether the standards set are accurate & objective. The efficient control system also helps in keeping careful and progress check on the changes which help in taking the major place in the organization & in the environment and also helps to review & revise the standards in light of such changes.

3. Making Efficient use of Resources

Another important function of controlling is that in this, each activity is performed in such manner so an in accordance with predetermined standards & norms so as to ensure that the resources are used in the most effective & efficient manner for the further availability of resources.

4. Improving Employee Motivation

Another important function is that controlling help in accommodating a good control system which ensures that each employee knows well in advance what they expect & what are the standards of performance on the basis of which they will be appraised. Therefore it helps in motivating and increasing their potential so to make them & helps them to give better performance.

5. Ensuring Order & Discipline

Controlling creates an atmosphere of order & discipline in the organization which helps to minimize dishonest behavior on the part of the employees. It keeps a close check on the activities of employees and the company can be able to track and find out the dishonest employees by using computer monitoring as a part of their control system.

6. Facilitating Coordination in Action

The last important function of controlling is that each department & employee is governed by such pre-determined standards and goals which are well versed and coordinated with one another. This ensures that overall organizational objectives are accomplished in an overall manner.