Week 9 Organisational Control
What is organisational control?
Organisational control refers to processes by which agents (individuals) are able to establish and
maintain control over an organisation.
Examples of control can be as simple as checklists.
Formal control
Formal control takes the form of being written and official, such as rules and laws, company policies,
organisational procedures.
Examples of formal control are timesheets, workplace ID’s and University library logins.
Technology supports control and monitoring; one example is the website Monday.com which plans
and shows progress of tasks.
Informal Control – Trust is an informal component
Informal controls are unwritten, as in traditions, norms, and values.
Examples of informal controls include dress codes.
In organisational settings, trust determines the degree of organisational control. The balance of trust
and control is necessary to facilitate effective functioning of organisations and flourishment.
Organisational control systems process - *Goals can also be considered the first step.
1. Establish standards
2. Measure performance
3. Compare performance to standards
4. Take corrective action as needed
TED Talk Example of Is trust coloured by culture?
Trust increases productivity, creativity, morale, innovation, functionality etc.
Attributes that drive trust are Competence, Integrity, and Caring
Competence, Russians deep intellect
Germans – Order, logical reasonable approach
Indians – Accuracy in maths and sciences
Japanese – Integrity and loyalty, to departments and company,
Americans – Honesty, your word is your bond
Italians – Bella Figura, “beautiful, elegant approach to work”
South Koreans – Beautiful harmony, needs of others are put first
English – Privacy, subtle humour to ask personal questions
What is organisational control?
Organisational control refers to processes by which agents (individuals) are able to establish and
maintain control over an organisation.
Examples of control can be as simple as checklists.
Formal control
Formal control takes the form of being written and official, such as rules and laws, company policies,
organisational procedures.
Examples of formal control are timesheets, workplace ID’s and University library logins.
Technology supports control and monitoring; one example is the website Monday.com which plans
and shows progress of tasks.
Informal Control – Trust is an informal component
Informal controls are unwritten, as in traditions, norms, and values.
Examples of informal controls include dress codes.
In organisational settings, trust determines the degree of organisational control. The balance of trust
and control is necessary to facilitate effective functioning of organisations and flourishment.
Organisational control systems process - *Goals can also be considered the first step.
1. Establish standards
2. Measure performance
3. Compare performance to standards
4. Take corrective action as needed
TED Talk Example of Is trust coloured by culture?
Trust increases productivity, creativity, morale, innovation, functionality etc.
Attributes that drive trust are Competence, Integrity, and Caring
Competence, Russians deep intellect
Germans – Order, logical reasonable approach
Indians – Accuracy in maths and sciences
Japanese – Integrity and loyalty, to departments and company,
Americans – Honesty, your word is your bond
Italians – Bella Figura, “beautiful, elegant approach to work”
South Koreans – Beautiful harmony, needs of others are put first
English – Privacy, subtle humour to ask personal questions
