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Unit 10: Interactive Control

Self Assessment Notes

Fill in the blanks:
9. The …………………..is designed to control the factors that can be controlled, to predict
uncontrollable factors and to influence these external factors that cannot be controlled.

10. ……………..is a signal that the changes must be made and improvement sought.

10.6 Summary

 Control of an undertaking consists of seeing that everything is being carried out in
accordance with the plan which has been adopted, the orders which have been given, and
the principles which have been laid down. Organisation should add Interactive Control
System to manage the network between people, teams, customers and suppliers.
 “Cybernetics” is derived from the Greek work “Kybernatics” which means “Steersman”.
The fundamental concern of cybernetics is with negative feedback and the role of negative
feedback mechanism to explain purposive and adoptive behaviour.
 The process of establishing control should be established as a constructive exercise not a
punitive one. Use of controls should be to assist people in attaining goals and objectives
for which they are responsible.
 The control process paradigm can be expanded to include superior-subordinate behaviour
as well. To do so, it is desirable to view the relationship between a superior and subordinate
as a means-end chain or relationship.

 Two distinct formal planning processes are strategic planning and operations planning.
There are two budgets: one for operations and one for strategy. There are two sets of
reports: one for strategic reports and one for operating activities.

10.7 Keywords

Control System: A control system is a set of formal and informal systems that are designed to
assist management in steering the organization towards the achievements of its purpose by
forging unity out of the diverse efforts of sub-units and of individuals.
Informal Control Process: The informal control process consists of activities engaged in by
members of the organization outside the formal control process while encountering non-routine
decisions such as: realignment of goals or when seeking new information to increase their
understanding of the problem area.
Management Styles: Management styles may be summarized on a continuum between highly
directive or autocratic styles (external styles) and highly participative styles (internal styles).

Steersman: A Steersman is a person who directs or governs a ship and corrects deviations from
planned course as they occur.

10.8 Review Questions

1. Briefly explain interactive control system in management control system.

2. What elements, according to Griesinger, constitute the Cybernetic paradigm vis-à-vis the
Control Process?

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