Which of the following is a characteristics of planning?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → It involves decision making

Option (1) It brings rigidity — Incorrect. Rigidity is a limitation of planning, not a feature. Once a plan is fixed, managers may not be able to change it when things change.
Option (2) It increases the risk of uncertainty — Incorrect. It is the opposite. Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty, because the manager looks ahead and gets ready for changes.
Option (3) It involves decision making — Correct. This is one of the features of planning. Planning means choosing from among various alternatives. If there is only one possible goal or one way of acting, there is no need for planning, because there is no choice to make.
Option (4) It leads to redundant and overlapping activities — Incorrect. Again the opposite. Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities. Useless and repeated work is cut down.

NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Planning involves decision making: Planning essentially involves choice from among various alternatives and activities. If there is only one possible goal or a possible course of action, there is no need for planning because there is no choice. The need for planning arises only when alternatives are available. In actual practice, planning presupposes the existence of alternatives. Planning, thus, involves thorough examination and evaluation of each alternative and choosing the most appropriate one.”

“Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty: Planning is an activity which enables a manager to look ahead and anticipate changes. By deciding in advance the tasks to be performed, planning shows the way to deal with changes and uncertain events. …”

“Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities: Planning serves as the basis of coordinating the activities and efforts of different divisions, departments and individuals. It helps in avoiding confusion and misunderstanding. Since planning ensures clarity in thought and action, work is carried on smoothly without interruptions. Useless and redundant activities are minimised or eliminated. …”

“Planning leads to rigidity: In an organisation, a well-defined plan is drawn up with specific goals to be achieved within a specific time frame. These plans then decide the future course of action and managers may not be in a position to change it. This kind of rigidity in plans may create difficulty. …”