External control in corporate governance refers to rules and regulations outside a company that influence its actions. This includes tax laws, leases that restrict office space usage, and anti-discrimination hiring laws. External auditors also play a role in monitoring companies. There are three main external control mechanisms: the market for corporate control, legal/regulatory systems, and product/factor markets. External influences come from statutes, audits, competition, and shareholder/financing agreements. External control aims to ensure company behavior aligns with organizational interests through administrative policies, cultural norms, and market/regulatory forces.