Answer the following Questions:
Define Control and give its importance.
ANSWER:
Controlling is evaluating and assessing the progress of the work done. It involves setting specific criteria or standards for the work and then comparing the actual work with the set standards. It helps in assessing deviations from the set targets and taking the required corrective actions.
The importance of controlling can be explained through the following points:
i. Achieving organisational goals - Controlling aims at accomplishing organisational goals by indicating the deficiencies and deviations in the system and the corrective actions to be taken. It guides the organisation in the right direction so that set objectives can be attained.
ii. Evaluating the standards - Controlling helps in judging the accuracy of the standards adopted by the management. A good controlling system enables the manager to check whether the set standards are accurate and feasible. It also helps the organisation in reviewing and revising the standards according to the changing business environment.
iii. Ensuring optimum utilisation of resources - Continuous control and monitoring help in the efficient and optimum utilisation of resources. As each work is done according to the set standards, there is less wastage of resources.
iv. Motivating employees - By exercising effective control, employees can know well in advance about what is expected out of them and what are the standards on which their performance will be assessed. This motivates them to achieve the assigned targets in a better way.
v. Maintaining order and discipline - Efficient controlling creates an atmosphere of order and discipline in the organisation. As the employees are aware of the fact that they are being continuously monitored, dishonesty and inefficiency in their behaviour are minimised.
vi. Promoting coordination - Pre-determined standards provide a basis for better coordination within various departments. Controlling helps in ensuring coordination among different departments of an organisation. It provides unity of direction while ensuring that the organisational objectives are met. Hence, controlling is an important function performed by all managers.
