A supervisor sets a worker’s output for the week against the target output fixed for that week, and the shortfall shows up at once.
Which point about the controlling process does this example show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Comparison becomes easier when standards are set in quantitative terms.
Option (1) Measurement of work should be done during the performance wherever possible. — Incorrect. Measuring during the work fits tasks such as checking each part before assembling. Here the output is checked after the week is over.
Option (2) Comparison becomes easier when standards are set in quantitative terms. — Correct. Setting actual output against the target is comparison of actual performance with standards. The target is a number of units, so the shortfall is seen at once. Quantitative standards make comparison easy.
Option (3) Standards should be flexible enough to be modified whenever required. — Incorrect. Flexible standards are about modifying standards when the business environment changes. The target here is not changed.
Option (4) Deviations in key areas need to be attended more urgently than others. — Incorrect. Urgent attention to key areas belongs to analysing deviations. The example shows only how a deviation is found.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Step 3: Comparing Actual Performance with Standards: This step involves comparison of actual performance with the standard. Such comparison will reveal the deviation between actual and desired results. Comparison becomes easier when standards are set in quantitative terms. For instance, performance of a worker in terms of units produced in a week can be easily measured against the standard output for the week.” |