Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following would be considered a controlling function in management?

1. Creating job descriptions

2. Hiring employees

3. Measuring productivity

4. Setting performance standards

The correct answer is: Measuring productivity

Measuring productivity is considered a controlling function in management because it involves the evaluation of the performance of employees and the overall efficiency of operations. Control in management refers to the process of monitoring performance, comparing it with set standards, and taking corrective actions if necessary. By measuring productivity, managers can assess whether the outputs of their team or organization meet the established benchmarks or goals. This assessment is crucial for ensuring that resources are being used effectively and that objectives are being achieved. Creating job descriptions, hiring employees, and setting performance standards are all essential components of management but fall under different functions. Creating job descriptions relates to organizing and clarifying roles, hiring employees encompasses the staffing function, and setting performance standards involves planning and establishing what is expected. While all these functions contribute to the overall management process, measuring productivity directly pertains to the control aspect, making it the correct answer in this context.