Consider the following statements about controlling:
(A) Controlling completes one cycle of the management process and improves planning in the next cycle.
(B) Planning initiates the process of management and controlling completes the process.
(C) Controlling is a prescriptive function of management.
(D) Plans are the basis of control.
(E) Controlling is a secondary function of every manager.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (A), (B) and (D) only
(A) Controlling completes one cycle of the management process and improves planning in the next cycle. — Correct. Controlling brings the management cycle back to planning. It completes one cycle and improves planning in the next.
(B) Planning initiates the process of management and controlling completes the process. — Correct. Planning starts the process of management, and controlling completes it.
(C) Controlling is a prescriptive function of management. — Incorrect. Planning is prescriptive, as it lays down the course of action. Controlling is evaluative: it checks whether decisions have become the desired action.
(D) Plans are the basis of control. — Correct. Plans give the standards that control works with. So plans are the basis of control.
(E) Controlling is a secondary function of every manager. — Incorrect. Controlling is a primary function of every manager, at all levels of management.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Meaning of Controlling … Controlling function of a manager is a pervasive function. It is a primary function of every manager. Managers at all levels of management— top, middle and lower-need to perform controlling functions to keep a control over activities in their areas. Moreover, controlling is as much required in an educational institution, military, hospital, and a club as in any business organisation. Controlling should not be misunderstood as the last function of management. It is a function that brings back the management cycle back to the planning function. The controlling function finds out how far actual performance deviates from standards, analyses the causes of such deviations and attempts to take corrective actions based on the same. This process helps in formulation of future plans in the light of the problems that were identified and, thus, helps in better planning in the future periods. Thus, controlling only completes one cycle of management process and improves planning in the next cycle.” “Relationship between Planning and Controlling … Planning is basically an intellectual process involving thinking, articulation and analysis to discover and prescribe an appropriate course of action for achieving objectives. Controlling, on the other hand, checks whether decisions have been translated into desired action. Planning is thus, prescriptive whereas, controlling is evaluative. …” “Summary … • Planning and controlling are inseparable twins of management. Planning initiates the process of management and controlling completes the process. Plans are the basis of control and without control the best laid plans may go astray.” |