Which of the following is a function of management?

• A. Evaluating
• B. Negotiating
• C. Reporting
• D. Planning

Answer: (D)

Planning is a fundamental function of management. It involves setting goals, determining what needs to be done, deciding the order of steps, estimating the resources and time required, and outlining the actions to reach objectives. This creates a roadmap that guides all subsequent managerial activities and helps anticipate obstacles, ensuring work aligns with organizational aims. Without planning, actions become reactive and drift from goals, making evaluation, negotiation, and reporting less effective because there’s no clear plan to measure against or follow.

Evaluating focuses on measuring outcomes against standards after actions have occurred. Negotiating centers on influencing and securing resources or agreements. Reporting is about communicating performance and progress to stakeholders. While these are important aspects of leadership and management, planning specifically initiates and shapes what will be done, making it the core function here.