PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE CONTROL

1. Principle of Assurance of Objectives: Control must contribute to

accomplishment of group objectives by detecting deviations from plans early
enough and in such a manner as to make corrective action possible.
2. Principle of Efficiency of Controls: Controls are efficient if they effectively
detect deviations from plans with minimum of unsought consequences.
3. Principle of Control Responsibility: Control can be exercised only by the
manager responsible for the execution of plans.
4. Principle of Future Controls: Effective control should be aimed at preventing
present and future deviations from plans.
5. Principle of Direct Control: The most effective technique of control in an
enterprise is to assure the quality of subordinate managers.
6. Principle of Reflection of Plans: Controls must be designed so as to reflect the
character and structure of plans.
7. Principle of Organizational Suitability: Controls must be designed so as to
reflect Organizational Structure.
8. Principle of Individuality of Controls: Controls must be designed to meet the
personal needs of the individual manager.
9. Principle of Standards: Effective and Efficient control requires Objective,
Accurate and Suitable standards.
10. Principle of Strategic Point Control: Effective and Efficient control requires
that attention be given to those factors which are strategic to the appraisal of
performance.
11. The Exception principle: Efficiency in control requires that attention be given
primarily to exceptions.
12. The principle of Flexibility of Controls: Controls should incorporate sufficient
flexibility to remain effective despite the failure of plans.
13. Principle of Review: The control system should be reviewed periodically.
14. Principle of Action: Control is only justified if measures are undertaken to
correct indicated or experienced deviations from plans through appropriate
managerial function.

From Principles of Management

An analysis of Managerial Functions.
By
Harold Koontz and Cyril O’Donnell