"Planning is deciding in advance what to do, how to do, when to do, and who is to do etc. Planning bridges the gap from where we are and where we want to go. It makes it possible for things to happen". ── Konntz & O'donnell. On the basis of above definition, following are the features of planning:
(i) Primary function of management: Planning is the primary or first function to be performed by every manager. No other function can be executed by the manager without planning because planning set the objectives and other functions depend on these objectives.
(ii) Mental exercise: It is a mental exercise as it is an intellectual activity of thinking rather than doing which requires application of mind involving foresight, intelligent imagination and sound judgement.
(iii) Planning is futuristic: Planning is always done for future, not for past. All managers try to predict/forecast future performance with the help of past performances. So that they can scan the general environment and accordingly set their objectives.