Three of the following lines explain why planning reduces creativity. Which one is the odd one out?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Managers may not be in a position to change the future course of action decided by a plan.
Option (1) Usually the rest of the members just implement the plans made by the top management. — A reason for reduced creativity. When others only follow the plans of the top management, they make no plans of their own.
Option (2) Managers may not be in a position to change the future course of action decided by a plan. — Not a reason for reduced creativity. This line explains rigidity. A fixed plan decides the future course, and managers cannot change it when things change.
Option (3) Employees do not even attempt to formulate plans; they only carry out orders. — A reason for reduced creativity. Employees who only carry out orders do not try new ways of working.
Option (4) People tend to think along the same lines as others, so there is nothing new. — A reason for reduced creativity. When everyone thinks alike, no new or innovative idea comes up.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(i) Planning leads to rigidity: In an organisation, a well-defined plan is drawn up with specific goals to be achieved within a specific time frame. These plans then decide the future course of action and managers may not be in a position to change it. This kind of rigidity in plans may create difficulty. Managers need to be given some flexibility to be able to cope with the changed circumstances. Following a pre-decided plan, when circumstances have changed, may not turn out to be in the organisations interest.” “(iii) Planning reduces creativity: Planning is an activity which is done by the top management. Usually the rest of the members just implements these plans. As a consequence, middle management and other decision makers are neither allowed to deviate from plans nor are they permitted to act on their own. Thus, much of the initiative or creativity inherent in them also gets lost or reduced. Most of the time, employees do not even attempt to formulate plans. They only carry out orders. Thus, planning in a way reduces creativity since people tend to think along the same lines as others. There is nothing new or innovative.” |