Planning requires taking decisions because:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → it involves making a choice from alternative courses of action
Option (1) it lays down the base for other functions of management — Incorrect. This is the primacy of planning: the other functions work within the plans drawn. It explains why planning comes first.
Option (2) it is required at all levels of management — Incorrect. This is the feature that planning is pervasive. It tells where planning is done.
Option (3) it provides the goals against which performance is measured — Incorrect. This is how planning establishes standards for controlling.
Option (4) it involves making a choice from alternative courses of action — Correct. A decision is a choice. Planning needs decisions because it involves choosing from alternative courses of action. If there were only one course, there would be nothing to decide.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Concept Planning is deciding in advance what to do and how to do. It is one of the basic managerial functions. Before doing something, the manager must formulate an idea of how to work on a particular task. Thus, planning is closely connected with creativity and innovation. But the manager would first have to set objectives, only then will a manager know where he has to go. Planning seeks to bridge the gap between where we are and where we want to go. Planning is what managers at all levels do. It requires taking decisions since it involves making a choice from alternative courses of action. …” |