Question

Which management function is considered the 'base' of all other functions because it involves setting goals?

• A. Planning
• B. Organizing
• C. Directing
• D. Controlling

Hint:

Management Functions: Planning $\rightarrow$ Organizing $\rightarrow$ Staffing $\rightarrow$ Directing $\rightarrow$ Controlling Planning comes first and forms the foundation of all others.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Management consists of several interrelated functions:
• Planning
• Organizing
• Staffing
• Directing
• Controlling Among these, Planning is regarded as the primary and foundational function.

Step 1: Understand the meaning of planning.
Planning means deciding in advance:
• What is to be done.
• How it is to be done.
• When it is to be done.
• Who will do it. It provides direction to organizational activities.

Step 2: Understand why planning is called the base.
Every other managerial function depends upon planning. For example:
• Organizing arranges resources to achieve planned goals.
• Staffing provides manpower for planned activities.
• Directing guides employees toward planned objectives.
• Controlling compares actual performance with planned standards. Thus planning serves as the foundation of all managerial functions.

Step 3: Apply the concept.
Since planning establishes organizational objectives and future actions, it is considered the base of all management functions. \[ \boxed{\text{Planning}} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (A)}} \]