Nature of Planning (Unit 3: Planning)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Unit 3, Lesson 1: Nature of Planning in the Planning module.

Planning

The process of thinking before acting that forms the foundation of all managerial functions and involves setting goals and outlining how to achieve them.

Nature of Planning

The concept that planning is a forward-looking, rational, and integral process guiding all organizational actions and decisions.

Goals

End statements representing targets and results that the organization aims to attain; the endpoints of the planning process.

Action Plan

The strategies and steps the organization takes to realize its goals; a concrete path to achieve desired outcomes.

SMART Criteria

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound criteria used to formulate effective goals and action plans.

Primary Function

Planning is the initial, guiding function of management that directs other managerial activities.

Rational Process

A characteristic of planning involving creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem solving based on data.

Integrated Process

Planning that is coordinated with all units of the organization and considers internal and external environments.

Forward-Looking

Planning that anticipates future possibilities and needs rather than only current conditions.

All-Pervasive

Planning that permeates all levels of management and every part of the organization.

Continuous Process

Planning is ongoing and never-ending; it continually updates as the organization evolves.

Planning Involves Choice

The essential activity of planning is decision making—allocating resources and selecting targets.

Reduces Uncertainties and Risks

Forward-looking planning helps anticipate threats and prepare mitigations to stabilize progress.

Provides Sense of Direction

Planning creates a clear path and aligns efforts from top management to frontline staff.

Coordination

Planning helps ensure effective cooperation across departments and aligns organizational structures.

Guidelines for Decision Making

Planning provides a framework and criteria to guide decisions and monitor performance.

Encourages Innovation and Creativity

Planning stimulates creative thinking and multiple approaches to achieve goals.

Weihrich and Koontz

Their definition of planning emphasizes the involvement of mission and objectives as the basis for choosing the best future actions.

Newman

Planning involves preparing for what might happen in the future by deciding ahead of time what to do.

Fayol

Planning focuses on creating strategic procedures to ensure effective managerial performance.

Long-Range Planning

Planning for the longer term, looking ahead beyond immediate horizons.

Short-Range Planning

Planning for the near term or immediate future.

Significance of Planning

Planning focuses organizational actions on objectives, aligns decisions with vision/mission, and provides direction and risk management.

Products of Planning

Outcomes include evaluation of past performance, identification of goals, and formulation of action plans.

Goals vs. Action Plans

Goals are end statements; action plans are the concrete steps and strategies to achieve those goals.

Conceptual Framework of Management

A set of core functions—planning, organizing, staffing, leading, controlling—of which planning is the foundation.

Pakikisama

A Filipino cultural value emphasizing harmony and smooth interpersonal relations; influences leadership and teamwork in planning and execution.