Management Content

Relationship Between Controlling Planning

Explore the vital link or relationship between controlling planning in management. Boost efficiency & achieve goals with strategic insights. Learn more now!

Relationship Between Controlling Planning


Controlling and Planning are two separate functions of management, yet they are closely related. The scope of activities if both are overlapping to each other. Without the basis of planning, controlling activities become baseless and without controlling, planning becomes a meaningless exercise. In absence of controlling, no purpose can be served by. Therefore, planning and controlling reinforce each other.

“If you will be understood cover page? so didn’t explain the relationship between controlling and planning because a cover page is clear explained how to communicate the plan to control. First plan what to do, what not to do. Second how to do, how get to do, and whose to do? The plan without control does not work well. Management in a manager if follow the plan, so he is free to control all Superior lower level or employee”.

Know about Controlling; Take into account (an extraneous factor that might affect the results of an experiment).

Determine the behavior or supervise the running of.

Know about Planning; The control of urban development by a local government authority, from which a license must be obtained to build a new property or change an existing one.

  • Decide on and make arrangements for in advance.
  • Design or make a plan of (something to be made or built).
  • The process of making plans for something.

According to Billy Goetz,

” Relationship between the two can be summarized in the following points”. 

The process of planning and controlling works on Systems Approach which is as follows


Planning → Results → Corrective Action

  • Planning proceeds to control and controlling succeeds planning.
  • Planning and controlling are inseparable functions of management.
  • Activities are put on rails by planning and they are kept at right place through controlling.
  • Planning and controlling are integral parts of an organization as both are important for smooth running of an enterprise.
  • Planning and controlling reinforce each other. Each drives the other function of management.

In the present dynamic environment which affects the organization, the strong relationship between the two is very critical and important. In the present day environment, it is quite likely that planning fails due to some unforeseen events. There controlling comes to the rescue. Once controlling is done effectively, it gives us the stimulus to make better plans. Therefore, planning and controlling are inseparable functions of a business enterprise.

Relationship Between Controlling and Planning Comparison Table:

AspectPlanningControlling
DefinitionSetting objectives and determining course of action to achieve themMonitoring performance, comparing with standards, taking corrective action
Time OrientationFuture-focusedPresent and past-focused
Primary Question“What should we do?”“Are we doing what we planned?”
SequenceFirst functionFollows planning
NatureThinking, intellectual processAction-oriented, operational process
InputForecasts, goals, resourcesActual performance data, feedback
OutputPlans, strategies, budgetsCorrective measures, performance reports
FocusSetting standardsMeasuring against standards
ScopeBroad, comprehensiveNarrow, specific
FlexibilityMore flexible, adaptableRigid adherence to standards
Personnel InvolvedTop and middle managementAll levels of management
Techniques UsedForecasting, budgeting, schedulingVariance analysis, audits, KPIs, inspections
RelationshipProvides basis for controllingEnsures plans are implemented
DependencyCan exist without controlling (ineffectively)Cannot exist without planning
Cycle PositionBeginning of management cycleEnd of management cycle (loops back to planning)
InnovationEncourages new ideasMaintains stability and order
Risk LevelHigher (dealing with uncertainty)Lower (dealing with known standards)
DocumentationStrategic plans, operational plans, budgetsPerformance reports, dashboards, scorecards
Success MetricGoal achievement, strategic alignmentCompliance, efficiency, quality standards
Feedback LoopSets direction for controlProvides input for replanning

Notes: You will know about the definitions of all the seven Processes of Scientific Management; Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Motivating, Controlling. Planning and Controlling important part of Scientific Management.

Nageshwar Das

Nageshwar Das, BBA graduation with Finance and Marketing specialization, and CEO, Web Developer, & Admin in ilearnlot.com.

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