What does controlling in the management process involve?

Controlling in the management process specifically involves monitoring performance and taking corrective action to ensure that organizational goals and objectives are being met. This aspect of management is crucial because it allows managers to assess the effectiveness of plans, identify any discrepancies between actual performance and desired outcomes, and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

In practical terms, controlling includes setting performance standards, measuring actual performance against those standards, and analyzing any variances. When performance does not meet these standards, managers can implement corrective measures to improve efficiency or effectiveness. This process is vital for maintaining the alignment of resources and activities with the overall strategic goals of the organization.

The other options pertain to different management functions. For example, arranging resources is part of the organizing function, setting strategic plans falls under planning, and inspiring employees relates to leading. While these are all important elements of management, they do not specifically define the controlling function as accurately as monitoring performance and taking corrective actions do.