Consider the following statements:
(A) Since planning is the first function of management, new ideas can take the shape of concrete plans.
(B) In the planning process, if a project is important, more alternatives should be generated and thoroughly discussed amongst the members.
(C) Planning reduces creativity because it is an activity which is done by the middle management.
(D) Planning reduces creativity since people tend to think along the same lines as others.
(E) Planning reduces creativity because checking the accuracy of facts may take a lot of time.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Three
(A) Since planning is the first function of management, new ideas can take the shape of concrete plans. — Correct. It shows how planning promotes innovative ideas.
(B) In the planning process, if a project is important, more alternatives should be generated and thoroughly discussed amongst the members. — Correct. This belongs to identifying alternative courses.
(C) Planning reduces creativity because it is an activity which is done by the middle management. — Incorrect. Planning is done by the top management; the others only carry it out.
(D) Planning reduces creativity since people tend to think along the same lines as others. — Correct. People who only follow plans think alike, so nothing new comes up.
(E) Planning reduces creativity because checking the accuracy of facts may take a lot of time. — Incorrect. Time spent checking facts is part of the limitation ‘planning involves huge costs’.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(iv) Planning promotes innovative ideas: Since planning is the first function of management, new ideas can take the shape of concrete plans. It is the most challenging activity for the management as it guides all future actions leading to growth and prosperity of the business.” “(iii) Identifying alternative courses of action: Once objectives are set, assumptions are made. Then the next step would be to act upon them. There may be many ways to act and achieve objectives. All the alternative courses of action should be identified. The course of action which may be taken could be either routine or innovative. An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas. If the project is important, then more alternatives should be generated and thoroughly discussed amongst the members of the organisation.” “(iii) Planning reduces creativity: Planning is an activity which is done by the top management. Usually the rest of the members just implements these plans. As a consequence, middle management and other decision makers are neither allowed to deviate from plans nor are they permitted to act on their own. Thus, much of the initiative or creativity inherent in them also gets lost or reduced. Most of the time, employees do not even attempt to formulate plans. They only carry out orders. Thus, planning in a way reduces creativity since people tend to think along the same lines as others. There is nothing new or innovative.” “(iv) Planning involves huge costs: When plans are drawn up huge costs are involved in their formulation. These may be in terms of time and money for example, checking accuracy of facts may involve lot of time. …” |