Assertion (A) : Planning involves choosing tasks that must be performed to attain organisational goal.
Reason (R) : Planning activity focuses on attaining goal.
Codes:

Correct option is A

This question explores the fundamental nature of Planning as a management function, confirming that both the Assertion and Reason are true and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Information Booster
· Definition of Planning: Planning is the primary function of management that involves setting objectives and deciding in advance the best course of action to achieve them.
· Purposeful Selection: Assertion (A) is correct because planning is not a random activity; it requires choosing specific tasks and strategies tailored to reach a predefined destination (the organizational goal).
· Goal-Orientation: Reason (R) is correct because the very essence of planning is its teleological nature (goal-directed). Without a goal, there is no need for a plan.
· The Logical Link: The Reason explains the Assertion because the reason managers spend time choosing specific tasks (Planning) is precisely because they need to focus their energy and resources on attaining a specific goal.
Additional Knowledge
To understand why other interpretations might be incorrect, consider these nuances of the planning process:
· Planning vs. Execution: While Planning involves "choosing tasks," it is distinct from Directing or Implementing. If the statement suggested that planning is the physical performance of tasks, it would be false. Planning is a mental exercise (intellectual process).
· Flexibility: While planning focuses on attaining goals, a plan is not a rigid document. Effective planning must account for environmental changes. If a statement claimed that planning guarantees goal attainment regardless of external factors, it would be false.
· Hierarchy of Goals: Planning happens at various levels— Strategic (top level), Tactical (middle level), and Operational (lower level). All these levels must be aligned; if the Reason suggested that planning only focuses on individual goals rather than organisational goals, the logical link would fail.