Planning is the process of thinking regarding the activities required to achieve a desired goal. Planning is based on foresight, the fundamental capacity for mental time travel.
Following are the features of Planning:
(A) Planning contributes to objectives: Planning starts with the process of setting up the objectives. We cannot think of planning without objectives. After setting up the objectives various activities are decided which would help in the achievement of the same.
(B) Pervasive: Planning is required at all levels of management. It is not a function restricted to top level managers only but planning is done by managers at every level.
(C) Primary Function: Planning is the first function of the management (primacy).On the basis of planning; the other functions of organizing, staffing, directing and controlling are performed.
(D) Forward looking: planning is looking ahead. It is done for the future and not for the past. All the managers try to make assumptions for the future and act accordingly.
(E) Continuous: Planning goes on continuously. It does not stop after a particular period. If plans are made for a month, after one month new plans are made. So Planning goes on without halt.