Identify the correct sequence of controlling process

(A) Identifying the deviations from the standards established.

(B) Measuring the performance of the employees.

(C) If there are deviations, corrective action is called for.

(D) Establishment of standards or targets against which the actual performance is measured.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Option 1 -> This sequence starts with identifying deviations before establishing standards, which is illogical as you need standards first to identify any deviations.

Option 2 -> This sequence attempts to identify deviations before measuring performance, which is impossible as deviations can only be identified after measuring actual performance.

Option 3 -> This follows the logical controlling process: first establish standards (D), then measure performance (B), then identify deviations (A), and finally take corrective action (C).

Option 4 -> This sequence starts with corrective action before any standards are set or performance is measured, which makes no sense in a systematic control process.

Hence, Option 3: (D), (B), (A), (C) -> The controlling process must follow a systematic sequence: first, standards/targets are established as benchmarks; second, actual performance is measured; third, deviations between actual performance and standards are identified through comparison; and finally, corrective actions are taken if deviations exist. This represents the fundamental control cycle in management. -> correct