What is the first step in the control process?

The first step in the control process is to establish performance objectives and standards. This step is crucial because it sets the benchmarks against which actual performance will be measured. Without clearly defined objectives and standards, it would be impossible to assess how well the organization is performing or to identify areas needing improvement.

Establishing performance objectives involves defining what success looks like for a particular operation or project, while the standards provide measurable criteria that can be used later to evaluate performance. This foundational step ensures that all stakeholders understand the goals and expectations, providing direction for subsequent actions in the control process. Once objectives and standards are in place, the organization can then measure performance, compare it to these standards, and decide on the necessary corrective actions if performance does not meet expectations.