Which of the following is NOT a step of the process of planning?

The subsequent step is to assign work duties to employees and create reporting relationships

The correct answer is option 4- The subsequent step is to assign work duties to employees and create reporting relationships.

The subsequent step is to assign work duties to employees and create reporting relationships- It is a step of organising.

It is necessary to define the work of different job positions and accordingly allocate work to various employees. Once departments have been formed, each of them is placed under the charge of an individual. Jobs are then allocated to the members of each department in accordance to their skills and competencies. It is essential for effective performance that a proper match is made between the nature of a job and the ability of an individual. The work must be assigned to those who are best fitted to perform it well. Merely allocating work is not enough. Each individual should also know who he has to take orders from and to whom he is accountable. The establishment of such clear relationships helps to create a hierarchal structure and helps in coordination amongst various departments.

OTHER OPTIONS

• 1. The first and foremost step is setting objectives- IT IS TRUE.
  Setting Objectives: The first and foremost step is setting objectives. Every organisation must have certain objectives. Objectives may be set for the entire organisation and each department or unit within the organisation.

• 2. The next step in planning is concerned with the identification, evaluation and selection of an alternative. IT IS TRUE.
  Once objectives are set, assumptions are made. Then the next step would be to act upon them. There may be many ways to act and achieve objectives. All the alternative courses of action should be identified. The next step is to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative. Each course will have many variables which have to be weighed against each other. The positive and negative aspects of each proposal need to be evaluated in the light of the objective to be achieved. This is the real point of decision making. The best plan has to be adopted and implemented. The ideal plan, of course, would be the most feasible, profitable and with least negative consequences.

• 3. The following step is concerned with putting the plans into action. IT IS TRUE. 
  Implementing the plan: This is the step where other managerial functions also come into the picture. The step is concerned with putting the plan into action, i.e., doing what is required.