Which management function involves evaluating whether unit outcomes align with goals?

• A. Controlling
• B. Directing
• C. Staffing
• D. Prioritizing care

Answer: (A)

Evaluating whether unit outcomes align with goals is the controlling function of management. Controlling involves monitoring performance, comparing it to established standards or goals, identifying variances, and taking corrective actions to keep results on track. In a health care unit, this means looking at metrics such as patient flows, quality and safety indicators, and resource use, then adjusting processes, reallocating staff, or providing coaching to close gaps and meet objectives. Directing is about guiding and supervising staff to perform tasks; staffing focuses on obtaining and placing the right people; prioritizing care relates to clinical decisions about what care to deliver first. The controlling function directly ties performance to goals, enabling ongoing alignment and improvement.