Planning is deciding in advance what is to be done. Its important features include:
i) Planning focuses on achieving objectives: Planning involves certain steps like determination of objectives and development of policies, programs and procedures to achieve the objectives of organisation.
ii) Planning is a primary function of management: Planning lays down the base for other functions of management. All other managerial functions are performed within the framework of the plans drawn. Thus, planning precedes other functions. This is also referred to as the primacy of planning.
iii) Planning is pervasive: Planning is required at all levels of management as well as in all departments of the organisation. It is not an exclusive function of top management nor of any particular department.
iv) Planning is continuous: Plans are prepared for a specific period of time, maybe for a month, a quarter, or a year. At the end of that period, there is a need for a new plan to be drawn on the basis of new requirements and future conditions. Hence, planning is a continuous process.