Authors:

• Edona Haxhiu, University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business, PhD student
• Mojca Marc, University of Ljubljana, School of Economics and Business

Keywords:

Management control systems | Control problems | Dysfunctional 
behavior | Object-of-control | Organizational behavior | Unintended consequences

Abstract

Management control systems (MCS) are designed to support organizational goals and enhance performance; however, evidence increasingly points to their unintended and dysfunctional outcomes, collectively termed control problems. Despite growing attention, limited research systematically investigates how specific MCS types are associated with particular dysfunctional behaviors. To bridge this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review of 95 studies published in management, accounting and organizational behavior journals to examine how different MCS— result controls, action controls, personnel controls, and cultural controls—relate to distinct manifestations of control problems.

Our findings reveal recurring patterns linking MCS types to dysfunctions such as gaming, data manipulation, ethical erosion, motivational crowding-out, and symbolic compliance. Furthermore, we identify recurring structural drivers associated with these problems, including excessive rigidity, contextual misfit, limited participation, and symbolic or inconsistent use of controls. Based on these insights, we develop an integrative conceptual framework that synthesizes plausible pathways through which control problems emerge, while highlighting the moderating role of contextual factors such as task uncertainty, professional norms, ethical leadership, external pressures, and organizational structure.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed in the article are:

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The article is published in:
Journal of management control (Springer Nature)

The content is freely accessible at:

Unintended consequences of management control systems: a systematic review and conceptual framework