| Planning | Controlling |
| 1. Meaning | Planning is a management function that decides in advance what to do, how to do, when to do, where to do and who is to do it. | Controlling is a managerial function that measures deviation of actual performance from the standards set and takes corrective actions. |
| 2. Objective | The main objective of planning is to set the goals and choose the means to achieve those goals. | The main objective of controlling is to ensure that goals or targets must be accomplished as per plan. |
| 3. Area of function | Planning involves setting objectives, identifying alternative courses of actions and selecting the best plan for the organisation. | Controlling involves fixation of standard, measurement of actual performance and finding deviations taking corrective actions to improve performance |
| 4. Order | In the sequence of managerial functions, planning is the first and foremost function. | In the sequence of managerial functions, controlling is the last function of the management. |
| 5. Resources | Planning is related with those resources which are required for achieving the targets. | Controlling is related with all the resources as it helps to achieve the given targets. |
| 6. Levels of management | Top management is responsible for preparing planning for the activities of the entire organisation. | Top level management and middle level managements are responsible for controlling of organisational activities. |
