Which function of management is considered as the "thinking function"?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Planning
Option (1) Planning — Correct. Planning is deciding in advance what to do and how to do it. It needs foresight, imagination and sound judgement. So it is a mental exercise: an activity of thinking rather than doing. That is why it is called the thinking function of management.
Option (2) Organizing — Incorrect. Organising puts the plan into a working form. It divides the work, forms departments and assigns duties. It is about arranging work and people.
Option (3) Controlling — Incorrect. Controlling checks the actual work against the standards and corrects the gaps. It looks back at what has been done.
Option (4) Directing — Incorrect. Directing guides, motivates and leads people at work. It is the function that starts action.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Concept Planning is deciding in advance what to do and how to do. It is one of the basic managerial functions. Before doing something, the manager must formulate an idea of how to work on a particular task. …” “Planning is a mental exercise: Planning requires application of the mind involving foresight, intelligent imagination and sound judgement. It is basically an intellectual activity of thinking rather than doing, because planning determines the action to be taken. However, planning requires logical and systematic thinking rather than guess work or wishful thinking.” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | 03-06 S2 27-05 S2 | – | – | – |