Which of the following pairs of importance of planning and its explanation is correctly matched?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Planning provides directions – It makes employees aware of what the organisation has to do and what they must do.
Option (1) Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities – It states in advance how work is to be done. — Incorrect. Stating in advance how work is to be done is how planning provides directions.
Option (2) Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty – It provides the goals against which actual performance is measured. — Incorrect. Giving goals to measure actual performance is how planning establishes standards for controlling.
Option (3) Planning provides directions – It makes employees aware of what the organisation has to do and what they must do. — Correct. Well-defined goals tell employees what they must do, so everyone moves the same way.
Option (4) Planning promotes innovative ideas – It sets targets and predicts future conditions. — Incorrect. Setting targets and predicting the future is how planning facilitates decision making.
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.” “(v) Planning facilitates decision making: Planning helps the manager to look into the future and make a choice from amongst various alternative courses of action. The manager has to evaluate each alternative and select the most viable proposition. Planning involves setting targets and predicting future conditions, thus helping in taking rational decisions.” “(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. …” |