Evaluating whether employees are on task relates primarily to which management function?

The function of evaluating whether employees are on task primarily relates to controlling within the management framework. Controlling involves monitoring and assessing the performance of employees and organizational processes to ensure that goals are being met effectively and efficiently. This function helps to identify any deviations from the planned objectives and allows managers to implement corrective actions as necessary.

In the context of employee performance, controlling would involve setting performance standards, measuring actual performance against those standards, and taking action if performance does not align with expectations. This ensures that employees are not only accountable for their responsibilities but also aligned with the overall strategic goals of the organization.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of management, do not focus specifically on the evaluative aspect of employee performance. Directing involves guiding and motivating employees towards achieving organizational objectives, organizing deals with the structuring of resources and tasks, and planning encompasses setting goals and outlining the steps needed to achieve them. However, the act of assessing performance and ensuring that employees remain on task distinctly highlights the control function of management.