The basic management activity that involves determining the extent to which the organization keeps on track of achieving goals describes which term?

• A. Controlling
• B. Norming
• C. Negotiation
• D. Negative Discipline

Answer: (A)

Controlling is the management activity that involves monitoring performance and taking corrective action to keep the organization on track toward its goals. It includes setting performance standards, measuring actual results, comparing them to the standards, and implementing adjustments to close any gaps, ensuring plans stay on course. This ongoing feedback loop helps managers ensure that what’s happening in the organization aligns with desired outcomes.

The other terms describe different ideas: Norming is a stage in team development where members establish how they will work together; Negotiation is the process of bargaining to reach mutually acceptable agreements; Negative discipline refers to punitive actions taken for rule violations. These do not capture the active, goal-driven monitoring and adjustment central to controlling.