The use of position power to provide a directing or restraining influence over people and inputs, processes, or outputs by observing, measuring, or verifying them through evidence or experiment.

• A. Leading
• B. Directing
• C. Controlling
• D. Supervising

Answer: (C)

Controlling is the management function that uses formal authority to regulate performance by setting standards, monitoring actual results, comparing them to those standards, and taking corrective actions. The description centers on directing or restraining influence through observable evidence—watching inputs, processes, and outputs, measuring them, and verifying with data or experiments. That measurement-and-adjustment loop is what defines control, ensuring things stay aligned with expectations and deviations are addressed.

Leading focuses on guiding and inspiring others, not the systematic measurement and correction process. Directing emphasizes issuing orders to accomplish tasks, while Supervising involves overseeing people as tasks are carried out. None of these couple measurement, verification, and corrective action in the same formal way that controlling does.