Nature/ Feature of Planning || Business Studies || Chapter 2 || Class 12 || NEB

Meaning of Planning

Planning is the primary function of management. It determines the course of actions to be followed in the future, to accomplish organizational objectives. In other words, planning is taking a decision in advance about what to do, how to do, when to do, and who is to do it. In that way, it bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to go.

Nature/Feature of Planning

1. Focus on Goal: Every organization is established with a specific objective. Planning focuses on the objective and defines it clearly. Planning begins with the determination of objectives and ends with the attainment of objectives. It sets up the best course of action to obtain organizational objectives efficiently and effectively.

2. Primary Function of Management: Planning is the primary function of management because other management functions like organizing, directing, and controlling have no meaning without planning. Planning guides and precedes other management functions.

3. Future Oriented: Planning is about making decisions in advance regarding what needs to be done in the future. It is based on forecasting and provides guidelines, suggestions, and a framework for future operations. Therefore, planning is future-oriented.

4. Selective Process: Planning involves identifying opportunities, setting objectives, developing alternatives, and selecting the best alternatives. It is a selective process that requires careful consideration of available options.

5. Pervasive: Planning is required at every level of management, including top-level, middle-level, and lower-level management. It is also used in different types of organizations, such as government, private, NGOs, and social organizations. Thus, the nature of planning is pervasive.