Four Control Mechanisms, Essay Example

MacDonald’s is an extremely efficient Company when it comes to establishing control policies and procedures. In particular focused around the protection of their assets and people. In the recruitment process the firm tends to hire by committee and as such the interviewee is likely to meet up with half a dozen people in the Company.  This tends to provide the individual with a better understanding of the teamwork, synergy and objectives of the firm.  There are essentially four levels of controls within the firm, namely:

Internal controls – covering the general stands and procedures the firm expects to be followed.

Technology – how computers and other technology applications are deployed in the firm.

Social Structure – those controls applicable to customer service, teamwork, career structure and benefits.  Cultural controls – describing the culture of the firm and its goal of achieving customer service excellence.

Controls are essentially mechanisms that are used to steer or navigate the company with a common sense of purpose.  They embody the Mission, Goals and Objectives of the firm and underpin the cultural ethos that drives the firm forward.  The firm has been particularly successful in this arena and was featured in the bestselling novel “In Search of Excellence” . (Peters, T &Waterman, R. 1984).

Control mechanisms within MacDonald’s are used primarily for the purpose of monitoring company progress and evaluating performance.  As the Company has a wide international base it is also used to ensure that the quality of products are not compromised overseas and that the customer may gain the same high experience despite what store they enter throughout the world.  This method of quality control has gained the firm a richly deserved reputation and made them a brand leader  in the fast food industry.

Works Cited

Tom Peters and Robert Waterman. (1984). In search of Excellence. New York: Warner Books.