Describe the four steps in the control process.

The four
steps in the control process are: Establishing Standards and Methods for Measuring Performance;
Measuring the Performance; Determination of Whether the Performance Matches the Standard, and
Taking Corrective Action.

Concerning the Establishment of Standards
and Methods for Measuring Performance, a company must develop, document and explain
clear standards and methods for measuring particular performances. These must be specific and
understood so effective measuring of tasks and responsibilities can take place. In this way, an
enterprise can gain a good understanding of who is performing according to company objectives.
Proper standards and methods for measuring performance helps a company tweak their processes as
required for better results. Performance measurement helps them see where their processes and
procedures need improvement.

Concerning Measuring the
Performance, this must be done in a consistent, regular manner to facilitate proper
data acquisition to make informed decisions concerning performance. This regular measuring gives
management substantial information so they can again make adjustments as necessary to their
protocols.

Pertaining to Determining Whether the Performance
Matches the Standard, company management compares measured results with the standards
they previously established. Therefore, they can determine if performance is up to their
expectations - or not. With this comparing, they can decide to abandon certain policies,
procedures or tasks, modify them, or leave them in place.

As concerns
Taking Corrective Action, a company must use the information gathered from
the control process. Not taking action based on revealed information (which shows inefficiencies
and/or poor employee performance) means they wasted their time and resources instituting the
control process. They must take action that gives solutions to problems. They must then measure
these corrective actions some time down the road to see if they are performing up to corporate
expectations. Consequently, the control process is something that is ongoing in organizations to
make sure that the business is performing optimally.