Explanation:

Solution and Explanation:

Understanding Pervasiveness of Planning:
Pervasiveness means something is present everywhere. Planning is considered pervasive in management because it is required at all levels of an organization, from top management to lower levels.

Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: "It is required in setting special goals"

  • Incorrect. Planning is not just for special goals but for all activities in an organization.

• Option 2: "It is required at all levels of management"

  • Correct. Planning applies to top, middle, and lower levels of management, making it pervasive.

• Option 3: "It is forward-looking and backward-looking"

  • Incorrect. Planning is mostly forward-looking, as it involves setting future goals and strategies. While past experiences help, planning is not backward-looking.

• Option 4: "It lays down the base for other functions of management"

  • Incorrect. This is true, but it refers to the importance of planning rather than its pervasiveness.

Final Answer: Option 2 (It is required at all levels of management).