Types of Control in Management: Process and Examples

Key Highlights: 

• The main types of control in management based on timing are feedforward, concurrent, and feedback control.
• Feedforward control acts before work begins, concurrent control monitors work while it happens, and feedback control evaluates results after completion.
• Managers use control to compare actual performance with planned standards, identify deviations, and take corrective action.
• Effective control helps organizations improve performance without creating unnecessary monitoring or micromanagement.
• This blog explains types of control in management, their process, examples, comparisons, benefits, limitations, and practical applications.

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What Are the Types of Control in Management?

Control in management refers to the different ways in which managers oversee work, compare actual results against expected standards, and take action when performance deviates from the plan. Control can be exercised before, during, or after an activity. 

The three main types based on timing are feed-forward control, concurrent control, and feedback control. Each has a different purpose and so managers may use more than one for the same activity.

Quick overview : 

Type of Control	When It Is Applied	Main Purpose
Feedforward Control	Before an activity	Prevent problems
Concurrent Control	During an activity	Correct problems in real time
Feedback Control	After an activity	Improve future performance

Timing is the easiest way to understand these controls. Think of them as before, during, and after.

1. Feedforward Control in Management

Feedforward control happens before work begins to prevent potential problems. Managers check inputs, resources, plans, and skills against required standards.

For example, a manufacturer inspects raw materials before production to prevent quality issues.

2. Concurrent Control in Management

Concurrent control happens while work is in progress. Managers monitor activities in real time and fix problems immediately.

 Example like a supervisor who monitors a production line and corrects defects as they occur.

3. Feedback Control in Management

Feedback control happens after an activity is completed. Managers review results, identify gaps, and use the findings to improve future performance.

For Example, a sales manager reviews monthly sales against targets to improve the next month's strategy.

What Is Control in Management?

Control in management is the process of assuring that the performance of an organization is consistent with the established standards and taking corrective action when the performance deviates from the standards. 

Planning and control are tightly linked. Planning determines what an organization wants to achieve and control determines whether actual performance is leading toward that goal.

Purpose of Control in Management 

The purpose is to keep organizational activities aligned with planned objectives.

Managers use control to:

• Monitor performance
• Detect deviations
• Reduce waste
• Correct problems
• Protect resources
• Improve decision-making
• Keep activities aligned with goals

Control shouldn't become an exercise in checking every small action. Too much monitoring can slow work and create unnecessary pressure.

Control as a Function of Management

Control is one of the core functions of management. Managers plan activities, organize resources, guide employees, and then monitor results.It closes the loop between plans and actual performance. Without control, managers may not know whether resources are being used properly or whether objectives are being achieved.

Relationship Between Planning and Control

A manager first establishes a target. The organization then performs the required activity. Actual results are measured against the target, and deviations are reviewed.If the result is below the required standard, managers decide whether corrective action is needed. The findings can also improve the next planning cycle.

Read: Henri Fayol's 14 Principles of Management with Examples    

Why Is Control Important in Management?

Controlling in management helps organizations keep actual performance aligned with planned objectives. It gives managers evidence about what is working, what isn't, and where action may be needed.

1.Helps Achieve Organizational Goals

Control keeps activities connected to measurable objectives. Managers can identify whether teams are moving toward their targets or falling behind.

2. Improves Employee Performance

Clear standards help employees understand what is expected. Regular feedback can also show where performance needs improvement. 

3. Reduces Errors and Waste

Early checks can prevent unsuitable materials, unnecessary spending, process failures, and avoidable rework.

4. Supports Better Decision-Making

Managers make better decisions when they have reliable performance information rather than relying only on assumptions.

5. Improves Resource Utilization

Control can reveal where money, time, materials, equipment, or employee effort is being used inefficiently.

6. Identifies Deviations Early

A small deviation is usually easier to address than a large one that has been ignored for months.

7. Supports Continuous Improvement

Feedback from completed activities gives managers information that can improve future processes, standards, and decisions.

Also read : Management process: Definition, Features & function

Control process in management 

The control process in management is a sequence through which managers establish standards, measure actual performance, compare results, identify deviations, and respond when necessary.

A simple control cycle looks like this

Workflow of control in management:

Set Standards → Measure Performance → Compare Results → Identify Deviations → Take Corrective Action → Review Results

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How Do the Different Types of Control Work?

The different types of control in management can work together across a single business process. The easiest way to understand their relationship is through timing.

Before Activity → During Activity → After Activity

Before the Activity: Feedforward Control

Before production begins, a company may inspect raw materials, check equipment, confirm employee training, and review production plans.These checks aim to prevent predictable problems from entering the process.

During the Activity: Concurrent Control

Once production starts, supervisors can monitor output, quality, machine performance, and employee activity.If a problem appears, they can respond immediately instead of waiting until the entire production run is complete.

After the Activity: Feedback Control

After production ends, managers can review defect rates, production costs, customer complaints, and output levels.

The findings can then influence the next production cycle.

Consider a simple example. A bakery checks ingredient quality before baking, monitors temperature during baking, and reviews customer feedback after products are sold. One process uses three controls at different points.

Also Read:  Importance of Management in Every Organization    

What Are the Different Ways to Classify Control in Management?

Control isn't classified only by timing. Managers also classify control according to the level of management, the area being monitored, and whether the focus is on employee behavior or final results.

1. Strategic Control in Management 

Strategic control focuses on long-term organizational direction and whether major strategies are producing the intended results.

Senior managers may review market position, business expansion, competitive conditions, major investments, and progress toward long-term objectives.

2. Tactical Control in Management 

Tactical control operates between strategic and operational activities. Department managers use it to monitor medium-term objectives and resource allocation.

For example, a marketing manager may review whether a quarterly campaign is meeting its lead-generation target and adjust resources if results are falling short.

3. Operational Control in Management 

Operational control focuses on routine activities and short-term performance.

Managers may track production output, delivery schedules, inventory levels, service quality, attendance, or daily sales.

Operational control is usually closer to the actual work than strategic control.

Also read : Management process: Definition, Features & function

Examples of Control in Management

Real-world examples make the different types of control in management easier to understand. The table shows how feedforward, concurrent, and feedback controls work across different business functions.

Area	Feedforward	Concurrent	Feedback
Manufacturing	Check raw materials	Monitor production	Review defects
Sales	Train sales staff	Track sales activity	Review sales results
HR	Verify qualifications	Monitor performance	Conduct performance reviews
Finance	Approve budget	Track expenses	Review actual spending

Do Read: Top Business Management Courses Online in 2026 

Advantages and Limitations of Effective Control in Management

Effective control helps managers track performance, correct problems, and keep work aligned with goals. However, too much control can increase costs and reduce flexibility.

Advantages of Control in Management

The table below shows the advantages of control in management:

Advantage	How It Helps
Better Performance Monitoring	Tracks actual results against targets
Faster Corrective Action	Helps managers address problems quickly
Reduced Operational Risk	Prevents errors, waste, and quality issues
Improved Efficiency	Identifies delays and resource waste
Better Coordination	Aligns teams with common standards
Greater Accountability	Makes responsibilities and targets clear

Also Read:  Importance of Management in Every Organization     

Limitations of Control of Management

The table below shows the limitations of control in management 

Limitation	How It Can Affect Management
High Cost	Monitoring and audits require time and money
Micromanagement	Excessive monitoring can reduce employee freedom
Employee Resistance	Strict controls may feel like surveillance
Reduced Flexibility	Rigid standards can limit quick responses
Poor Data Dependence	Inaccurate information can lead to wrong decisions
Outdated Standards	Changing business conditions can make old targets ineffective

Difference Between Feedforward, Concurrent, and Feedback Control

The three controls mainly differ in when they are applied, what they monitor, and how they respond to problems.

Basis	Feedforward Control	Concurrent Control	Feedback Control
Timing	Before an activity	During an activity	After an activity
Approach	Preventive	Real-time	Corrective
Focus	Inputs and resources	Ongoing activities	Final results
Main Objective	Prevent problems	Fix problems immediately	Improve future performance
Example	Inspecting raw materials	Monitoring production	Reviewing sales results

In simple terms Feedforward control prevents problems before work begins. Concurrent control identifies and fixes issues while work is happening. Feedback control reviews completed results to improve future performance.  

Also read : Top 4 Functions of Management Process Explained   

How to Choose the Right Type of Control?

Choosing a control depends on the activity, the risk, and how quickly a problem needs to be addressed.

1. Consider When the Risk Can Occur

If a problem can be detected before work begins, feedforward or preventive control may be useful. If it develops during an activity, concurrent control may be more appropriate.

2. Identify What Needs to Be Controlled

Decide whether the focus is cost, quality, employee behavior, productivity, customer satisfaction, strategy, or another performance area.

3. Define Performance Standards

Standards should be measurable and relevant to the activity. A vague target makes meaningful comparison difficult.

4. Determine How Quickly Action Is Required

Some problems can wait for a monthly review. Others require immediate intervention because the cost of delay is high.

5. Combine Multiple Control Mechanisms

Organizations don't need to choose only one control. A manufacturing company might use feedforward checks, concurrent monitoring, and feedback reviews within the same production cycle.

Also read: What is Disaster Management? Importance, Stages, Guidelines, and More

Best Practices for Effective Control in Management

Good control practices help managers track performance without adding unnecessary complexity. These practices keep standards clear, monitoring focused, and corrective action timely.

• Set clear standards: Use realistic and measurable targets.
• Track relevant metrics: Focus on data that reflects actual performance.
• Monitor regularly: Set monitoring frequency based on the activity and risk.
• Focus on major deviations: Address issues that can affect key objectives.
• Act quickly: Take corrective action once the cause is clear.
• Use technology: Apply dashboards, alerts, and analytics for faster monitoring.
• Update standards: Adjust controls when business conditions change.

Conclusion

The types of control in management help managers keep performance aligned with organizational goals. Feedforward, concurrent, and feedback controls address problems at different stages of work.

Effective control isn't about monitoring everything. It's about using the right standards, measuring meaningful results, identifying important deviations, and taking timely action. When applied thoughtfully, control can improve performance, reduce waste, and support better management decisions.

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