Read the following case study and attempt questions.
Mr Vinay is a Production Manager in a company. Being a Manager he seeks planned results from his subordinates so he sets the criteria against which the actual performance of subordinates will be measured. He also conveys these criteria to his subordinates. He knows that it is neither economical nor easy to keep a check on each and every activity. He also finds that if he tries to control everything it will result in controlling nothing. After these two considerations, he gives the main focus of his effort on comparatively more important tasks and finally, he gets planned results.
Identify the Functions of management which is being discussed in the above case study.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Controlling
Option (1) Planning — Incorrect. Planning means deciding in advance what to do and how to do it. The case is about checking the work against the criteria.
Option (2) Organising — Incorrect. Organising means dividing work, grouping it and giving authority. The case does not talk about this.
Option (3) Controlling — Correct. The case opens with “he seeks planned results from his subordinates”. To seek planned results from the subordinates, a manager needs to exercise effective control over their activities. Setting standards, not checking every activity and focusing on important tasks are all parts of controlling.
Option (4) Staffing — Incorrect. Staffing means finding and keeping the right people for jobs. Nobody is hired or trained in the case.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Meaning of Controlling 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. …” |