Lesson 4.2: Controlling

  • Lesson 4.2: Controlling

    Learning Goals: By the end of this lesson you will be able to

    1. Relate control to planning

    2. Describe the control process

    3. Explain the two types of control systems


    • Lesson Note - Business Control File

      Read the lesson note and answer the questions at the end. Post your notes in the homework forum.

    • Lesson 4.2 Discussion Forum

      Meet with your team and discuss these questions:

      1.Send me your team agreement if you did not yet.
      2.You all want to get a good score for Assignment 4. What are some feedforward controls you can set?
      3.Let’s say one person did not submit their work on time. What corrective action can you take?



    • According to McGregor, Theory X management assumes the following:

      • Work is inherently distasteful to most people, and they will attempt to avoid work whenever possible.
      • Most people are not ambitious, have little desire for responsibility, and prefer to be directed.
      • Most people have little aptitude for creativity in solving organizational problems.
      • Motivation occurs only at the physiological and security levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
      • Most people are self-centered. As a result, they must be closely controlled and often coerced to achieve organizational objectives.
      • Most people resist change.
      • Most people are gullible and unintelligent.

      Theory Y

      The higher-level needs of esteem and self-actualization are ongoing needs that, for most people, are never completely satisfied. As such, it is these higher-level needs through which employees can best be motivated.

      In strong contrast to Theory X, Theory Y management makes the following assumptions:

      • Work can be as natural as play if the conditions are favorable.
      • People will be self-directed and creative to meet their work and organizational objectives if they are committed to them.
      • People will be committed to their quality and productivity objectives if rewards are in place that address higher needs such as self-fulfillment.
      • The capacity for creativity spreads throughout organizations.
      • Most people can handle responsibility because creativity and ingenuity are common in the population.
      • Under these conditions, people will seek responsibility.