Among the functions of management, the function which deals with measurement and correction of performance of persons against standard is?

1. A

   Organising

2. B

   Controlling

3. C

   Directing

4. D

   Co-ordinating

Appeared in: ISRO- 2016

Explanation

• The management function of controlling is defined as the process of measuring performance, comparing it against pre-determined standards, and taking corrective actions to address any deviations.
• This function ensures that the organization's goals and plans are being accomplished effectively and efficiently.
• According to H. Fayol, a pioneer in management theory, control involves verifying that everything occurs in conformity with the adopted plans and established principles.
• The core activities mentioned in the question—measurement and correction against a standard—are the central components of the controlling process.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Organising is the function of creating a structure for the organization. It involves defining roles, responsibilities, and the flow of authority, but it does not involve the measurement and correction of performance.
• Option C: Directing involves leading, motivating, and communicating with employees to guide their actions. While it influences performance, it is not the function that systematically measures performance against standards and corrects it.
• Option D: Co-ordinating is the process of integrating and synchronizing the efforts of different departments and individuals to ensure they work together harmoniously. It is considered the essence of management but is not a separate function focused on performance correction.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Functions of Management as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Nurse managers use the controlling function daily for quality assurance. For example, they monitor hand hygiene compliance rates, patient fall rates, and the incidence of hospital-acquired infections against established benchmarks.
• Performance appraisal of nursing staff is a direct application of the controlling function, where an individual's performance is measured against the standards set in their job description.
• Controlling is crucial for patient safety. By tracking and analyzing adverse events or near misses (e.g., medication errors), managers can identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

How to Approach the Question

• First, break down the question to identify the key actions described. The question highlights 'measurement' and 'correction' of 'performance' against a 'standard'.
• Next, recall the primary functions of management, often remembered by the acronym POLC: Planning, Organizing, Leading (or Directing), and Controlling.
• Systematically evaluate each option against the key actions identified in the stem.
• Organising is about structure. Directing is about guidance. Co-ordinating is about integration. None of these primarily focus on measurement and correction.
• Controlling is explicitly defined as the process of monitoring performance, comparing it with standards, and taking corrective action. This definition perfectly matches the question's description.
• Therefore, select 'Controlling' as the function that directly corresponds to the activities of measurement and correction.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Functions of Management
• Stem keywords: functions of management, measurement, correction of performance, standard
• Lead-in keywords: function which deals with
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QTMRxO10vlqGc1Q62Qf3Bw

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart A (pp 26-327 of 982) pp. 81-83, 143-145, 150-152