Which of the following statements about the importance of planning are correct?
A. Planning ensures that goals are clearly stated so that they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken.
B. Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities by anticipating changes and uncertain events.
C. Planning makes it easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures.
D. Planning provides the goals against which actual performance is measured.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A, C and D only
A. 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 every action, so this is how planning provides directions.
B. Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities by anticipating changes and uncertain events. — Incorrect. Anticipating changes is how planning reduces the risks of uncertainty. Planning cuts overlapping and waste because it coordinates the activities of different divisions, departments and people.
C. Planning makes it easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures. — Correct. Planning brings clarity in thought and action. So inefficiencies are easier to spot and correct, and waste goes down.
D. Planning provides the goals against which actual performance is measured. — Correct. These goals act as standards. Managers compare actual work with them, so planning is the base for controlling.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Importance of Planning … (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. …” “(ii) 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. Changes or events cannot be eliminated but they can be anticipated and managerial responses to them can be developed.” “(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.” “(vi) Planning establishes standards for controlling: Planning involves setting of goals. The entire managerial process is concerned with accomplishing predetermined goals through planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling. Planning provides the goals or standards against which actual performance is measured. …” |