Planning is the first function of management.

Answer: The statement is correct.

Planning means deciding in advance what is to be done, how, when and by whom. It bridges the gap between where we are and where we want to go.

1. All other functions (organising, staffing, directing, controlling) are performed within the framework of the plans. Without planning there is nothing to organise, staff, direct or control.
2. Planning sets the objectives of the organisation and the policies, procedures and programmes to achieve them.
3. It decides what resources are required, so organising and staffing can follow.
4. Controlling compares actual performance with the standards fixed in planning; so planning comes first and controlling depends on it.
5. Planning is done at all levels and reduces uncertainty, risk and wastage.

Thus planning precedes all other functions and is rightly called the primary or first function of management.