Question

In what ways are planning and controlling related? Consider the following statement made by a supervisor, "I don't have to worry much about controlling. My view is that, if you plan a job properly, things will go right; so you don't have to worry about control." Please conduct research to support your findings, citing at least one scholarly source in APA format.

Answer 1

It is true that planning and controlling are interrelated to each other. Under planning, goals and objectives are made and under controlling, the management ensures that these goals are accomplish. It is on the planning process that how the controlling is going to work and controlling on the other hand, provides sound basis for planning. Without planning, controlling remains baseless and without proper controlling, planning becomes meaningless exercise. Following are some relations mentioned which better explains the relationship between planning and controlling.

• The main function of controlling is to examine whether actual performance is as per the planned performance. This comparison has no base until the planned performance has been made.
• Planning process is directed by the controlling, which means that some areas are spotted by controlling where more planning is required or where planning is to be reviewed or altered.
• If controlling is performed in a right manner, then it would be useful to make further plans. The information collected from exercising controls can be used for further planning.

According to me, the supervisor’s statement is not completely correct. It is true that if planning is properly conducted then controlling process will go in the right path. But there are some factors which can affect the controlling as well, which will in turn affects the accomplishment of goals.