Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam

The function of management that includes monitoring performance against goals is controlling. This function is essential for ensuring that an organization is progressing toward its defined objectives and can identify any deviations from the planned path.

Controlling involves setting performance standards based on the organization's objectives, measuring actual performance, and comparing this with the set standards. If there are discrepancies between what was planned and what is being achieved, managers must take corrective actions. This process helps maintain organizational effectiveness and efficiency, guiding decision-making to optimize performance.

In contrast, organizing focuses on arranging resources and tasks to support the overall strategy, while planning involves the formulation of goals and the means to achieve them. Leading centers on influencing and motivating employees to work towards the organization's objectives. Each of these functions plays a crucial role in management, but controlling specifically emphasizes the ongoing assessment of whether the organization is on track to meet its goals.