Question

Which two functions are closely related?

• A. Planning and control
• B. Staffing and motivation
• C. Organisation and supervision
• D. Communication and packaging

Hint:

Planning and controlling are closely linked — control is meaningless without pre-set plans.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question tests a core concept from the Nature/Principles of Management syllabus.

Step 2: Identifying the correct option:
Planning sets goals and standards in advance; Controlling measures actual performance against exactly those planned standards and corrects deviations. They are often called the 'twins' of management because control is meaningless without planning, and planning without control cannot be verified.

Step 3: Why (B) Staffing and motivation is incorrect:
These are both important but belong to different functions (Staffing vs. a sub-element of Directing) without the direct feedback-loop relationship planning-control has.

Step 3: Why (C) Organisation and supervision is incorrect:
Supervision is part of Directing, not as tightly coupled to Organising as planning is to control.

Step 3: Why (D) Communication and packaging is incorrect:
Packaging is a marketing-mix element, not a management function; this pairing does not fit the question's intent.

Final Answer:
Planning and control