Managerial Control vs. Technical Control

Attribute	Managerial Control	Technical Control
Definition	Refers to the process of setting goals, monitoring performance, and taking corrective actions to ensure that objectives are achieved	Refers to the use of technology, tools, and systems to enforce policies, procedures, and security measures
Focus	Focuses on people, processes, and organizational structure	Focuses on technology, systems, and automation
Implementation	Implemented through leadership, communication, and decision-making	Implemented through software, hardware, and network configurations
Flexibility	Can be more flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances	May be more rigid and less adaptable to changes
Cost	May involve higher costs related to human resources and training	May involve higher costs related to technology investments and maintenance

Introduction

When it comes to managing and controlling processes within an organization, two key types of control come into play: managerial control and technical control. Both types of control are essential for ensuring the smooth operation of a business, but they differ in their focus and approach. In this article, we will compare the attributes of managerial control and technical control to understand their unique roles in organizational management.

Managerial Control

Managerial control refers to the process of setting goals, monitoring performance, and taking corrective actions to ensure that organizational objectives are met. This type of control is typically carried out by managers and supervisors who are responsible for overseeing the work of employees. Managerial control involves establishing standards, measuring performance against those standards, and making adjustments as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

• Focuses on setting goals and objectives
• Monitors performance and progress
• Involves taking corrective actions
• Requires effective communication and leadership
• Emphasizes the human element in control processes

Technical Control

Technical control, on the other hand, involves the use of technology and systems to monitor and regulate processes within an organization. This type of control relies on tools, software, and automated processes to ensure that operations are running efficiently and effectively. Technical control is often used in manufacturing, IT, and other industries where precision and accuracy are critical to success.

• Relies on technology and systems
• Automates monitoring and regulation processes
• Ensures precision and accuracy in operations
• Reduces the margin of error in tasks
• Can be more objective and data-driven

Comparison

While managerial control and technical control serve similar purposes in terms of overseeing and regulating processes within an organization, they differ in their focus and methods. Managerial control is more people-oriented, emphasizing communication, leadership, and human interaction in the control process. In contrast, technical control relies on technology, automation, and data to monitor and regulate operations.

Managerial control is often used in service-oriented industries where human judgment and decision-making are crucial to success. It involves setting goals, providing feedback, and coaching employees to improve performance. Technical control, on the other hand, is more commonly used in industries where precision and accuracy are paramount, such as manufacturing and engineering.

Both types of control have their strengths and weaknesses. Managerial control allows for flexibility and adaptability in response to changing circumstances, as managers can use their judgment and experience to make decisions. However, it can also be subjective and prone to bias, depending on the manager's perspective.

Technical control, on the other hand, is more objective and data-driven, relying on technology to monitor and regulate processes. This can lead to greater accuracy and consistency in operations, but it may also lack the human touch and flexibility that managerial control provides. Additionally, technical control requires a significant investment in technology and systems, which may not be feasible for all organizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both managerial control and technical control play important roles in organizational management. While managerial control focuses on setting goals, monitoring performance, and taking corrective actions through human interaction and leadership, technical control relies on technology and automation to ensure precision and accuracy in operations. By understanding the attributes of both types of control, organizations can effectively implement strategies to achieve their objectives and drive success.