Which of the following would be considered a controlling function in management?

Measuring productivity is recognized as a controlling function in management because it involves assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce and processes. This function allows management to evaluate whether organizational goals are being met and identify areas needing improvement. By measuring productivity, managers can determine if the resources are being utilized optimally and, if necessary, make adjustments to enhance performance.

Measuring productivity provides concrete data that can lead to actionable insights and decisions. It plays a critical role in establishing whether the strategies in place are yielding the desired outcomes and informs further steps in corrective actions or policy adjustments. This continuous monitoring and evaluation are central to effective management control systems.

The other options involve foundational aspects of management but do not specifically focus on the assessment and adjustment elements that characterize the controlling function. Creating job descriptions and hiring employees are more aligned with the organizing and staffing functions of management, while setting performance standards primarily deals with planning and guiding behavior towards objectives rather than the monitoring and adjustment involved in controlling.