For a control to be effective, it should be what?

For a control to be effective, it must be suitable, feasible, and acceptable. These criteria ensure that the controls implemented can be realistically applied within the specific context of an organization and that they are appropriate for the objectives they are meant to achieve.

Suitability means that the control aligns well with the goals and needs of the organization, addressing risks and issues that are pertinent. Feasibility ensures that the control can be implemented effectively given the available resources, including time, personnel, and technology. Acceptability refers to the willingness of stakeholders, such as employees and management, to support and comply with the control measures put in place. If controls are not suitable, feasible, or acceptable, they may face resistance or fail to work as intended.

The other sets of criteria, while potentially valuable in various contexts, do not encapsulate the core requirements for control effectiveness as clearly as these three. For instance, while having reliable and measurable controls is important, they must first fit the situational context to be considered effective.