Definitions, Meaning & characteristics of Planning:
Meaning and Concept of Planning
In simple words, planning is deciding in advance what is to be done, when where, how and by whom it is to be done. Planning bridges the gap from where we are to where we want to go. It includes the selection of objectives, policies, procedures and programmers from among alternatives. A plan is a predetermined course of action to achieve a specified goal. It is an intellectual process characterized by thinking before doing. It is an attempt on the part of manager to anticipate the future in order to achieve better performance. Planning is the primary function of management.
Definitions of Planning
Different authors have given different definitions of planning from time to time. The main definitions of planning are as follows:
According to Alford and Beat, "Planning is the thinking process, the organized foresight, the vision based on fact and experience that is required for intelligent action."
According to Theo Hayman, "Planning is deciding in advance what is to be done. When a manager plans, he projects a course of action for further attempting to achieve a consistent co-ordinate structure of operations aimed at the desired results.
According to Billy E. Goetz, "Planning is fundamentally choosing and a planning problem arises when an alternative course of action is discovered."
According to Koontz and O' Donnell, "Planning is an intellectual process, conscious determination of course of action, the basing of decision on purpose, facts and considered estimates."
According to Allen, "A plan is a trap laid to capture the future."
Nature / Characteristics of Planning
The main characteristics or nature of planning is given below:
Planning is an Intellectual Process
Planning is an intellectual process of thinking in advance. It is a process of deciding the future on the series of events to follow. Planning is a process where a number of steps are to be taken