The principal of a school, the commanding officer of an army unit and the head of a hospital each keep a check on the activities in their own area, just as a factory manager does.
Which feature of controlling is shown by the fact that it is needed in all these institutions?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → It is a pervasive function.
Option (1) It is a goal-oriented function. — Incorrect. A goal-oriented function makes sure that resources are used to reach predetermined goals. This feature is about the purpose of control, so it does not show its use in many kinds of institutions.
Option (2) It is a backward-looking function. — Incorrect. Controlling looks back at past work to find deviations, which makes it backward-looking. This says nothing about where control is used.
Option (3) It is an evaluative function. — Incorrect. Controlling is evaluative, as it checks whether decisions have become the desired action. This, too, does not show its use in every institution.
Option (4) It is a pervasive function. — Correct. A pervasive function is one found everywhere. Controlling is done by managers at all levels, and it is as much required in a school, an army or a hospital as in a business.
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. …” |