Control: The process of measuring performance and taking action to ensure desired results. Importance of Control The purpose of control is to ensure that plans are met and that actual performance meets or exceeds objectives. Control makes the right things happen in the right way and at the right time. Helps ensure that the performance contributions of individuals and groups are consistent with organizational plans. It is useful for performance outcomes within an organization to be consistent with each other in terms of means and ends. And it helps ensure that people comply with organizational policies and procedures. Steps in the Control Process„ The focus in planning should be on describing “critical” or “essential” outcomes that will make a material difference in the success of the organization. Standards are also important and must be considered from the beginning. Two types of standards:„X Output Standards - measure performance results in terms of outcomes such as quantity, quality, cost, or time of work performed.„ execution of the task. They are used in situations where outcomes are difficult or expensive to measure. Step 2¡Xmeasure actual performance. The goal is to accurately measure performance outcomes and/or performance efforts. The measurement must be accurate enough to detect significant differences between what is actually happening and what was originally planned. Step 3¡XCompare results with objectives and standards. This can be expressed as the following control equation: Need for action=Desired performance ¡V Actual performanceHere There are several ways to compare desired and actual performance:„X Historical comparison uses past performance as a reference point to evaluate performance current„X Relative comparison uses performance results or other people, work units, or organizations as standards of evaluation.„X Engineering comparison uses engineered standards set scientifically through methods such as time and motion studies. Step 4¡XTake corrective action as needed. This process can also be applied to personal planning. This step involves taking whatever action is necessary to correct or improve things, and allows for judicious use of management by exception, the practice of prioritizing situations that show the greatest need for action. This approach can save valuable time, energy and other resources, while allowing you to focus all your efforts on the areas of greatest need.