Controllers ensure the transparency of business results, finance, processes and strategy and thus contribute to higher economic effectiveness.Controlling as a management function involves following steps:
1. Fixing the Control Standards
A standard is a criterion (base) which is used to measure the performance of the subordinates. Standards may be of two types, i.e. Quantitative Standards and Qualitative Standards.
Quantitative Standard can be easily defined and measured. For e.g. number of products, number of customers, cost, net profit, time limits, etc.
Qualitative Standard cannot be easily defined and measured. For e.g. measurement of morale, measurement of job satisfaction, measurement of effect of a training programme, advertisement programme, etc. It is better to have quantitative standards because they are measurable. However, today there are many new techniques for measuring qualitative standards.
2. Measuring the Actual Performances
After establishing the standards, the subordinates should be provided with all the resources for performing the job. They should be properly directed and motivated to perform the job. Similarly, they should be properly supervised. If the subordinated come under Theory X they require maximum supervision. However, if they come, under Theory Y then they require minimum supervision. After they complete the job their performance should be carefully measured. There are many traditional and modern techniques for measuring the performances of subordinates.
3. Comparision
The actual performances of the subordinates are compared with established standards, and then the deviations are found out. The deviations which are found out may be positive or negative.
Positive Deviation means that the actual performances are better than the established standards. Positive deviations should be appreciated.
Negative Deviation means that the actual performance is less than the established standards. The management should pay special attention to the negative deviation. They should find out the causes of negative deviations.
4. Corrective Action
After finding out the negative deviations and their causes, the managers should take steps to correct these deviations. Corrective actions should be taken promptly. Corrective action may include, changing the standards, providing better motivation, giving better training, using better machines, etc. The management should take essential steps to prevent these deviations in the future.
5. Follow-up
After taking corrective action, the management must do a follow-up. Follow-up is done to find out whether the corrective actions are taken properly. It also finds out whether the deviations and their causes are removed. If follow-up is done properly, then the actual performance will be equal to or better than the established standards.
