Rajeev and Sanjeev are managers in the same organization heading diffe

1.	Rajeev and Sanjeev are managers in the same organization heading different units. While discussing about the functions of management, Rajeev says that, ‘Planning is looking ahead whereas controlling is looking back.’ But Sanjeev says, ’You are wrong because planning is looking back whereas controlling is looking ahead.’ Both are giving reasons in favour of their statements. Explain the possible reasons given by both and justify who is correct.
Answer» This statement is partially correct. i. Planning is forward looking in the sense that it looks at future and lays down the standards to be achieved in future. ii. Controlling is looking back in the sense that it looks at past and measures the actual performance relating to the past and compares actual performance with planned performance and taking corrective measures in case of deviation. iii. Planning is backward looking also in the sense as it is guided by past experiences and the corrective action initiated by control function aims to improve future performance. iv. Controlling is not only looking back but also forward looking like planning in the sense that it helps in the adoption of new plans (if existing plan cannot be implemented at all) and revision of the existing plans (if existing plan can be implemented only with modifications) on the basis of comparison of actual performance with the prescribed standards. v. Controlling provides valuable information derived from past experience for future planning. It ensures better utilization of resources in future by rectifying past mistakes. Thus, planning and controlling are both backward-looking as well as a forward-looking function.

Rajeev and Sanjeev are managers in the same organization heading different units. While discussing about the functions of management, Rajeev says that, ‘Planning is looking ahead whereas controlling is looking back.’ But Sanjeev says, ’You are wrong because planning is looking back whereas controlling is looking ahead.’ Both are giving reasons in favour of their statements. Explain the possible reasons given by both and justify who is correct.

Answer»

This statement is partially correct.

i. Planning is forward looking in the sense that it looks at future and lays down the standards to be achieved in future.

ii. Controlling is looking back in the sense that it looks at past and measures the actual performance relating to the past and compares actual performance with planned performance and taking corrective measures in case of deviation.

iii. Planning is backward looking also in the sense as it is guided by past experiences and the corrective action initiated by control function aims to improve future performance.

iv. Controlling is not only looking back but also forward looking like planning in the sense that it helps in the adoption of new plans (if existing plan cannot be implemented at all) and revision of the existing plans (if existing plan can be implemented only with modifications) on the basis of comparison of actual performance with the prescribed standards.

v. Controlling provides valuable information derived from past experience for future planning. It ensures better utilization of resources in future by rectifying past mistakes. Thus, planning and controlling are both backward-looking as well as a forward-looking function.

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