Which of the following statements are not correct?
(A) Planning and controlling are essentially one and the same.
(B) Controlling is the part of planning process.
(C) Controlling can be a substitute for planning.
(D) Planning without controlling is meaningless.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (B) and (C) only
(A) Planning and controlling are essentially one and the same. — Not correct about planning and controlling (Correct). They are linked, but not the same. Planning is prescriptive: it decides what should be done. Controlling is evaluative: it checks whether it was done.
(B) Controlling is the part of planning process. — Not correct about planning and controlling (Correct). Controlling is a separate function of management, with its own steps. It comes after the plan is put into action. Planning only gives it the standards.
(C) Controlling can be a substitute for planning. — Not correct about planning and controlling (Correct). One cannot replace the other. Planning is a prerequisite (a must) for controlling. Without plans, there are no standards, so there is nothing to control.
(D) Planning without controlling is meaningless. — Correct about planning and controlling (Incorrect). A plan is of no use if no one checks whether it is being followed.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Relationship between Planning and Controlling Planning and controlling are inseparable twins of management. A system of control presupposes the existence of certain standards. These standards of performance which serve as the basis of controlling are provided by planning. Once a plan becomes operational, controlling is necessary to monitor the progress, measure it, discover deviations and initiate corrective measures to ensure that events conform to plans. Thus, planning without controlling is meaningless. Similarly, controlling is blind without planning. If the standards are not set in advance, managers have nothing to control. When there is no plan, there is no basis of controlling.” “Planning is clearly a prerequisite for controlling. It is utterly foolish to think that controlling could be accomplished without planning. Without planning there is no predetermined understanding of the desired performance. …” “Planning is basically an intellectual process involving thinking, articulation and analysis to discover and prescribe an appropriate course of action for achieving objectives. Controlling, on the other hand, checks whether decisions have been translated into desired action. Planning is thus, prescriptive whereas, controlling is evaluative.” |