They make change happen instead of reacting to change. The future requires corporate leadership with the skills to integrate many unexpected and seemingly diverse events into its planning. Every organization must plan for change in order to reach its ultimate goal. Effective planning helps an organization adapt to change by identifying opportunities and avoiding problems. It sets the direction for the other functions of management and for teamwork.
Planning improves decision-making.
All levels of management engage in planning. Strategic Planning Strategic planning produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide what an organization is, what it does, and why it does it. It requires broad-scale information gathering, an exploration of alternatives, and an emphasis on the future implications of present decisions. Top level managers engage chiefly in strategic planning or long range planning. Top level managers clarify the mission of the organization and set its goals.