9609 · 7.1.4
Control, authority and trust flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9609 Control, authority and trust (syllabus 7.1.4). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Authority?
Legitimate organisational power attached to a role.
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Financial controls?
Budgets, variance analysis, authorisation limits (10.1, 5.5).
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Quality controls?
Inspection, ISO standards, TQM (9.3.2).
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Trust benefits?
Lower monitoring cost, faster decisions, better teamwork.
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Control excess?
Micromanagement, bureaucracy, demotivation (2.2).
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Control too weak?
Fraud, inconsistent service, strategy drift.
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Balanced approach?
Clear targets + autonomy within limits + audit.
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Remote working challenge?
Harder direct supervision — output-based controls needed.
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Authority
The legitimate or formal right of a manager to make decisions, give orders, and allocate resources to achieve organisational objectives. It is derived from their position in the hierarchy.
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Control System
A set of mechanisms used by management to ensure that the behaviour and performance of the organisation conform to its plans and objectives. It involves setting standards, measuring performance, and taking corrective action.
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Empowerment
The process of giving employees a degree of autonomy, authority, and responsibility for decision-making regarding their specific organisational tasks. It aims to increase motivation, job satisfaction, and responsiveness.
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High-Trust Culture
An organisational environment characterised by open communication, psychological safety, and confidence in the integrity of leaders and colleagues. It reduces the need for micromanagement and fosters innovation and collaboration.
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Empowerment with Accountability
A management philosophy that balances giving employees autonomy and authority (empowerment) with clear performance standards and reporting mechanisms (accountability), ensuring freedom is paired with responsibility for outcomes.