How does planning provide direction for action?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → By stating in advance how work is to be done
Option (1) By stating in advance how work is to be done — Correct. When the way of working is fixed in advance, goals act as a guide for deciding what action to take.
Option (2) By anticipating changes so that responses can be developed — Incorrect. This is how planning reduces the risks of uncertainty.
Option (3) By making it easier to detect inefficiencies and correct them — Incorrect. This is part of how planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities.
Option (4) By comparing actual performance with the standards set — Incorrect. Comparing performance is controlling. Planning only provides the standards for it.
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.” |