Objectivity, or freedom from bias, is a concern because reports of actions prepared by those whose actions are being controlled cannot necessarily be relied upon. Project-and sales-oriented personnel are frequently asked to prepare self-reports of how they spend their time. In most cases, these reports are precise, as the allocations may be in units of time as small as by the minute. But the reports are not objective. If the personnel involved want to obscure the true time patterns, perhaps to cover a bad performance or to allow some personal time, it is relatively easy for them to report that most of their time was spent on productive activities. Most companies use direct supervisors and internal auditors to provide objectivity checks on such reports. Without objectivity, management cannot be sure whether the action reports reflect the actual actions taken, and the reports lose their value for control purposes.
Timeliness in tracking actions also is important. If the tracking is not timely, interventions are not possible before harm is done. Further, much of the motivational effect of the feedback is lost when the tracking is significantly delayed.