Planning prescribes an appropriate course of action for achieving objectives, while controlling checks whether decisions have been translated into desired action.
Which relationship between Planning & Controlling is being explained here?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Planning is prescriptive, controlling is evaluative
Option (1) Planning without controlling is meaningless — Incorrect. This is also true, but it explains why controlling is needed after a plan. The sentence describes what each function does.
Option (2) Planning is a prerequisite for controlling — Incorrect. This is also true, but it speaks about standards coming from planning. The sentence does not.
Option (3) Controlling is blind without planning — Incorrect. This is also true, but it speaks about controlling having no standards. The sentence does not.
Option (4) Planning is prescriptive, controlling is evaluative — Correct. The sentence says that planning prescribes (tells) the course of action, while controlling checks whether the decisions have become action. Planning is thus prescriptive, whereas controlling is evaluative.
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. Once a plan becomes operational, controlling is necessary to monitor the progress, measure it, discover deviations and initiate corrective measures to ensure that events conform to plans. Thus, planning without controlling is meaningless. Similarly, controlling is blind without planning. …” “Planning is clearly a prerequisite for controlling. …” “Planning is basically an intellectual process involving thinking, articulation and analysis to discover and prescribe an appropriate course of action for achieving objectives. Controlling, on the other hand, checks whether decisions have been translated into desired action. Planning is thus, prescriptive whereas, controlling is evaluative.” |