These two functions are inseparable twins of management. One function is considered as forward looking and another is known as backward looking.
Identify the functions of management explained above:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Planning and Controlling
Option (1) Planning and Organizing — Incorrect. Organising is not called the backward looking function.
Option (2) Planning and Staffing — Incorrect. Staffing is not called the backward looking function.
Option (3) Planning and Controlling — Correct. Planning and controlling are inseparable twins of management. Planning looks ahead, so it is forward looking. Controlling checks past activities against standards, so it is backward looking.
Option (4) Staffing and Directing — Incorrect. They are not called inseparable twins, and neither is called forward or backward looking.
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. …” “…Therefore, planning involves looking ahead and is called a forward-looking function. On the contrary, controlling is like a postmortem of past activities to find out deviations from the standards. In that sense, controlling is a backwardlooking function. …” |