Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What does the function of controlling imply in management?

1. Setting annual budgets

2. Measuring outcomes against benchmarks, then responding

3. Delegating tasks to various staff members

4. Creating new policies for implementation

The correct answer is: Measuring outcomes against benchmarks, then responding

In management, the function of controlling is primarily concerned with monitoring progress and performance in relation to established objectives and standards. This involves measuring outcomes against predetermined benchmarks to assess whether desired results are being achieved. When outcomes deviate from these benchmarks, the controlling function requires management to respond appropriately, which could mean making adjustments, reallocating resources, or implementing corrective actions to steer performance back toward the common goals. This aspect of control is essential for ensuring that the organization is on track to meet its objectives, maintaining quality, efficiency, and effectiveness in its operations. It helps identify areas that need improvement and fosters accountability within the team. Setting annual budgets, delegating tasks, and creating policies, while important aspects of management, do not embody the primary essence of the controlling function, which inherently focuses on performance measurement and responsive action.