The essential nature of planning can be highlighted by the following major aspects of planning:
(i) Planning – an Intellectual process: Planning is the process of choosing the proper course of action from among alternative and calls for decision-making, which is an intellectual process.
(ii) Planning – a Primary Functions : Planning is the most basic function of management. As a matter of fact, all other functions of management largely depend upon planning.
(iii) Planning - a Continuous Function of Management : Management is a dynamic process and planning as its function cannot be an exception to it.
(iv) Planning – a Pervasive Function: Planning is pervasive function. It pervades at all levels and in all departments of an organization. Sometimes, planning is erroneously considered to be the prerogative and responsibility of top management alone.
