The correct answer is: B. establish objectives and standards.
The control process is a systematic way of ensuring that an organization's goals are met. It involves setting objectives and standards, measuring actual performance, comparing results with objectives, and taking corrective action when necessary.
The first step in the control process is to establish objectives and standards. Objectives are what the organization wants to achieve, and standards are the criteria against which performance will be measured. Objectives and standards should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Once objectives and standards have been established, the next step is to measure actual performance. This involves collecting data on how well the organization is performing against its objectives. The data can be collected from a variety of sources, such as financial statements, customer surveys, and employee performance reviews.
After actual performance has been measured, the next step is to compare results with objectives. This involves identifying any gaps between actual performance and desired performance. If there are gaps, then corrective action needs to be taken.
The final step in the control process is to take corrective action. This involves taking steps to close the gaps between actual performance and desired performance. Corrective action can take a variety of forms, such as changing the objectives, changing the standards, or changing the way in which performance is measured.
Each of the options in the question is an important part of the control process, but only one of them is the first step. Option A, measure actual performance, is the second step in the control process. Option C, compare results with objectives, is the third step in the control process. Option D, take corrective action, is the fourth step in the control process. Therefore, the correct answer is option B, establish objectives and standards.
