Which of the following points represents the correct relationship between planning and controlling?
(A) Planning and controlling are separable twins of management.
(B) Planning and controlling are inseparable twins of management.
(C) Controlling could be accomplished without planning.
(D) Planning without controlling is meaningless.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → (B) and (D) only
(A) Planning and controlling are separable twins of management. — Incorrect. The two cannot be separated.
(B) Planning and controlling are inseparable twins of management. — Correct. Planning sets the standards. Controlling checks the actual work against these standards. Each needs the other, so they always go together.
(C) Controlling could be accomplished without planning. — Incorrect. Without a plan there are no standards. Then the manager has nothing to check the work against. So controlling cannot be done without planning. Controlling is blind without planning.
(D) Planning without controlling is meaningless. — Correct. Once a plan is put into action, controlling watches the progress, finds gaps and corrects them. Without this check, nobody knows whether the plan is being followed. So the plan loses its meaning.
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. …” “Planning is clearly a prerequisite for controlling. It is utterly foolish to think that controlling could be accomplished without planning. …” |