Planning and controlling are interdependent and inseparable functions of management, working in tandem to ensure the achievement of organizational goals. While planning establishes objectives and outlines the course of action, controlling ensures that these plans are executed effectively and that deviations are promptly addressed.
1. Interdependence
* Planning provides the foundation: Controlling relies on the standards and objectives defined during the planning process.
* Controlling ensures plan execution: Without controlling, planning remains ineffective. Controlling monitor’s progress, identifies deviations, and facilitates corrective measures to keep activities aligned with the plan.
* Forward- and backward-looking nature: Planning focuses on future objectives, whereas controlling reviews past performance to inform future improvements.
2. Inseparability
* Controlling is meaningless without planning: In the absence of predefined standards or objectives, there is nothing to measure or control against.
* Planning needs controlling for effectiveness: While planning determines the course of action, controlling ensures adherence to the plan and allows for timely adjustments when required.
3. Key Aspects of Their Relationship
* Planning sets the targets: It specifies what needs to be achieved and how.
* Controlling monitors progress: It measures actual performance against planned objectives.
* Controlling identifies deviations: It highlights discrepancies between actual performance and the plan.
* Controlling takes corrective action: It introduces necessary changes to bring performance back on track.
Conclusion
In essence, planning lays the groundwork for organizational action, while controlling ensures that these plans are successfully implemented. Together, they form two sides of the same management coin, each reinforcing the effectiveness of the other.
Related Posts:
