"Planning is an activity which enables managers to look ahead and anticipate changes. By deciding in advance the tasks to be performed, planning shows the way to deal with changes".
Importance of planning derived from above para is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty
Option (1) Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities — Incorrect. This point is about coordinating the work of different departments so that useless work is avoided. The paragraph talks about changes, not wasteful work.
Option (2) Planning promotes innovative ideas — Incorrect. This point is about new ideas taking the shape of concrete plans.
Option (3) Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty — Correct. The paragraph in the question comes under the point “Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty”. Planning lets managers look ahead and anticipate changes. By deciding the tasks in advance, managers are ready to deal with changes and uncertain events.
Option (4) Planning is pervasive — Incorrect. This is a feature of planning (it is needed at all levels and in all departments), not a point of its importance.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(ii) Planning reduces the risks of uncertainty: Planning is an activity which enables a manager to look ahead and anticipate changes. By deciding in advance the tasks to be performed, planning shows the way to deal with changes and uncertain events. Changes or events cannot be eliminated but they can be anticipated and managerial responses to them can be developed.” “(iii) Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities: Planning serves as the basis of coordinating the activities and efforts of different divisions, departments and individuals. It helps in avoiding confusion and misunderstanding. …” “(iv) Planning promotes innovative ideas: Since planning is the first function of management, new ideas can take the shape of concrete plans. …” “(iii) Planning is pervasive: Planning is required at all levels of management as well as in all departments of the organisation. It is not an exclusive function of top management nor of any particular department. …” |