Managers who redo budgets, rethink processes, or revise policies are
Multiple Choice
A translating higher-level plans into lower-level plans.
B taking corrective action, which will constitute a feedback loop.
C looking at what is working and what could be different to maximize efficiency.
D determining the organization’s long-term goals.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
B. taking corrective action, which will constitute a feedback loop.
Explanation:
In the context of management, when managers redo budgets, rethink processes, or revise policies, they are engaging in corrective action—a fundamental part of the control process within an organization. This process is closely tied to what’s known as a feedback loop in managerial and systems theory.
The feedback loop is a critical concept in management, referring to the continuous process of monitoring actual performance, comparing it to desired outcomes, and making adjustments as needed to bring performance back on track. When discrepancies or inefficiencies are identified, corrective actions are taken to realign the organization’s operations with its goals.
For example:
- Redoing budgets could reflect overspending or underperformance in financial targets.
- Rethinking processes might indicate that current methods are inefficient or outdated.
- Revising policies can be necessary when existing guidelines no longer align with company strategy or external regulations.
These actions imply that feedback—from performance data, employee input, or external evaluations—has highlighted a need for change. Managers then intervene by adjusting plans, policies, or procedures to improve future outcomes. This is not the planning phase (which focuses on setting goals) but rather the control phase, which ensures the organization stays on course.
Let’s contrast this with the other options:
- A, translating higher-level plans into lower-level ones, refers to planning and coordination, not correcting.
- C, although partially true, is vague and doesn’t clearly tie into the structured management process of control and feedback.
- D, determining long-term goals, is part of strategic planning, not corrective action.
Thus, option B is the most accurate and aligns with management theory’s emphasis on feedback and control systems. Would you like a diagram of the feedback loop process in management?