Control involves setting standards of performance, measuring actual performance, comparing the two, and taking corrective action when needed. It is a pervasive, continuous, and dynamic process aimed at keeping actions and outputs within predetermined limits to help achieve organizational goals like stability and growth. An effective control system provides benefits like better coordination, decision-making, planning, and supervision. While control has limitations like external factors and costs, steps can be taken to make it more effective, such as ensuring manager awareness, proper review systems, and involving subordinates. The key elements of control are establishing standards, measuring performance, comparing to standards, and taking corrective action.