The step of controlling process which reveals the deviation between actual performance and desired results is :
The step of controlling process which reveals the deviation between actual performance and desired results is :
Options
The correct answer is (D) Comparing actual performance with the standards.
- This step of the controlling process places actual performance side-by-side with the standards already set, and it is this comparison that reveals whether a deviation exists and, if so, its direction and extent.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark for correctly identifying option (D) 'Comparing actual performance with the standards' as the step that reveals deviation.
Hint
Think about which step actually places actual results next to the standard to spot a gap — not the step that explains why the gap exists.
Quick Oral Answer
Comparing actual performance with standards is the step that reveals the deviation — it places actual results next to the fixed standard to spot any gap.
Analysis & Explanation
Controlling is a five-step cyclical process, and each step has a distinct role.
Why (D) is correct
- Comparing actual performance with standards is the step where the manager measures the gap (if any) between what was planned and what actually happened — this comparison is what 'reveals' the deviation.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Setting performance standards happens before performance occurs; it fixes the yardstick, it does not reveal any deviation.
- (B) Analysing deviations happens after the deviation has already been revealed — it examines why the deviation occurred (critical point control, exception principle) rather than identifying that it exists.
- (C) Taking corrective action is the final step, applied only once a deviation has already been identified and analysed.
Exam tip: Students often confuse 'comparing performance with standards' with 'analysing deviations' — remember comparison reveals the gap, analysis explains its cause.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing 'comparing actual performance with standards' (which reveals the deviation) with 'analysing deviations' (which explains its cause).
- 2Selecting 'setting performance standards' — this step precedes performance measurement and cannot reveal any deviation.
Interesting Facts
Controlling was identified by Henri Fayol in 1916 as one of the five original functions of management, along with planning, organising, commanding and coordinating.
The 'critical point control' principle applied within this step means managers focus comparison on Key Result Areas (KRAs) rather than checking every single activity, saving managerial time and effort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five steps in the controlling process?
The five steps are: (1) Setting performance standards, (2) Measurement of actual performance, (3) Comparing actual performance with standards, (4) Analysing deviations, and (5) Taking corrective action.
What is the difference between 'comparing performance with standards' and 'analysing deviations'?
Comparing performance with standards identifies whether a deviation exists and its size; analysing deviations investigates the causes and significance of that deviation using techniques like critical point control and management by exception.