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Feedback control is a management concept that involves the systematic gathering and analysis of information about the performance of a process or system, comparing it to predetermined standards or goals, and taking corrective action as needed. In the context of organizational management, feedback control is crucial for ensuring that the organization's activities align with its objectives and that deviations from the plan are identified and addressed promptly.
The process of feedback control typically involves the following steps:
Establishing Standards: Define the performance standards or benchmarks that reflect the desired outcomes. These standards serve as a reference point for evaluating actual performance.
Measuring Performance: Collect data on the actual performance of the system or process. This may involve quantitative metrics, qualitative assessments, or a combination of both.
Comparing Performance to Standards: Compare the collected data against the established standards. This step highlights any variances or deviations between the expected and actual performance.
Analyzing Deviations: Evaluate the reasons for the deviations. Understanding the root causes helps in determining whether the variations are within acceptable limits or require corrective action.
Taking Corrective Action: If deviations are significant or undesirable, implement corrective measures to bring the performance back in line with the established standards. This could involve adjusting processes, reallocating resources, or revising strategies.
Monitoring the Results: Continuously monitor the effects of corrective actions and assess whether they have effectively addressed the deviations. This ongoing monitoring ensures that the organization stays on course.
Example: Consider a manufacturing company that sets a standard of producing 1,000 units of a product daily. The feedback control process involves regularly measuring the actual production output. If the company produces only 800 units one day, there is a deviation from the standard. The management then analyzes the reasons for the shortfall, discovering that a key machine experienced unexpected downtime. To correct this, they promptly repair the machine, implement preventive maintenance, and ensure backup systems are in place. Monitoring the subsequent production days confirms that the corrective actions have brought the output back to the target of 1,000 units, demonstrating the effectiveness of feedback control in maintaining operational performance within desired parameters.