Key Terms
Control in the P-O-L-C framework
The C. One of four primary managerial functions alongside planning, organizing, and leading.
Organizational control
Processes and procedures that regulate, guide, and protect an organization
Most common style
Top-down control. Decisions flow from high-level executives down to lower-level employees.
Example
A company may exceed expectations on product quality and customer service but carry a low gross profit margin — which co
Definition
Controlling, monitoring, and modifying tasks to maintain a desired level of quality or excellence.
How it works
Compare actual output to the standard; if not met, adjust the process or standard, then repeat.
Disadvantage
Modifications happen only after the fact. A situation may be over before managers know there was a problem.
Best suited for
Processes, behaviors, or events that repeat over time.
May be based on
Standards, rules, codes, and policies.
Also called
Learning and growth perspective; organizational capacity perspective.
Limitation
Cannot control unforeseen, unlikely events (acts of God).
Order of application
Strategic first, then operational, then tactical.
May require reassessment due to
Unforeseen external events or competitors' moves.
Information sources include
Customer conversations, trade magazines, trade conferences, observation of competitors' operations.
Errors at this level are major
Missing a fundamental shift in the market.