If staffing and directions are correct but results are poor, which function will help find the causes?

Correct answer: Controlling

The governing concept is controlling through comparison, deviation analysis and corrective action. Staffing ensures that suitable people are recruited and placed, while directing guides and motivates them. Even when both functions are properly performed, actual results may differ from planned results because of inefficient methods, inadequate materials, changing conditions, errors, weak coordination or unrealistic standards. Controlling identifies such differences by measuring actual performance, comparing it with standards and investigating the reasons for deviations. Thus option A is correct. The word ‘causes’ is especially important: control is not merely observing failure; it diagnoses why it occurred and supports corrective action. The other options describe narrower functions that do not provide the complete performance-investigation process.