The Four Levels of Control by Harvard Professor Robert Simons are;
diagnostic control systems, belief systems, boundary systems and interactive
control systems.
The four levels of control according to Robert Simons
The diagnostic control systems refer to those systems that are used in
the monitoring and adjusting of performance within a business setting. This includes
budgeting, business plans and accounting systems.
The belief systems refer to those that communicate core values
within a business and these include vision statements, mission statements and
credos.
Boundary systems are those that define the limits of freedom that
individuals enjoy within a business, including the code of conduct and even the
statement of ethics.
Lastly, the interactive control systems refer to systems that
provide feedback and allow a business to evolve, update and redirect its
strategy. These include market feedback reports and competitive analysis.