Consider the following statements on how planning provides directions:
(A) Planning states in advance how work is to be done.
(B) Planning ensures that goals are clearly stated, so that they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken.
(C) Planning makes it easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures.
(D) Planning enables a manager to look ahead and anticipate changes.
(E) Planning helps departments and individuals in the organisation to work in coordination.
How many of the above statements correctly explain how planning provides directions?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Three
(A) Planning states in advance how work is to be done. — Correct. Stating in advance how work is done provides direction for action.
(B) Planning ensures that goals are clearly stated, so that they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken. — Correct. Clear goals guide the action and show its direction.
(C) Planning makes it easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures. — Incorrect. This belongs to the benefit ‘planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities’.
(D) Planning enables a manager to look ahead and anticipate changes. — Incorrect. This belongs to the benefit ‘planning reduces the risks of uncertainty’.
(E) Planning helps departments and individuals in the organisation to work in coordination. — Correct. When goals are clear, everyone knows what to do, so departments and people work in coordination.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(i) Planning provides directions: By stating in advance how work is to be done planning provides direction for action. Planning ensures that the goals or objectives are clearly stated so that they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken and in which direction. If goals are well defined, employees are aware of what the organisation has to do and what they must do to achieve those goals. Departments and individuals in the organisation are able to work in coordination. If there was no planning, employees would be working in different directions and the organisation would not be able to achieve its desired goals.” “(ii) Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty: Planning is an activity which enables a manager to look ahead and anticipate changes. …” “(iii) 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. It is easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures to deal with them.” |