Control, or controlling, is one of the managerial functions like planning, organizing, staffing and directing. It is an important function because it helps to check the errors and to take the corrective action so that deviation from standards are minimized and stated goals of the organization are achieved in a desired manner.
According to modern concepts, control is a foreseeing action whereas earlier concept of this was used only when errors were detected. Control in management means setting standards, measuring actual performance and taking corrective action.
Also It can be defined as “that function of the system that adjusts operations as needed to achieve the plan, or to maintain variations from system objectives within allowable limits”. The control subsystem functions in close harmony with the operating system. The degree to which they interact depends on the nature of the operating system and its objectives. Stability concerns a system’s ability to maintain a pattern of output without wide fluctuations. Rapidity of response pertains to the speed with which a system can correct variations and return to expected output.