HRCI PHR Exam - Topic 3 Question 117 Discussion

Actual exam question for HRCI's PHR exam

Question #: 117
Topic #: 3

All organizations need prevoyance, or planning, as a part of a manager's duty. As an HR Professional what is the primary purpose of planning?

ADirects the project team and staff to accomplish the project scope

BEstablishes groundwork for the managers to achieve the goals of the organization

CCommunicates the direction of the organization

DEstablishes groundwork for the managers to achieve their goals

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

Planning is the foundation for a manager to establish the goals of the organization. Answer option C is incorrect. The organization's mission statement communicates the direction, intent, and purpose of the organization. Answer option D is incorrect. Planning is to provide groundwork for the managers to achieve their goals, but for the organization to achieve its goals. Answer option A is incorrect. Planning, in project management, does provide direction to the project team to reach their goals, but in this context it's planning for the organization, not a project.

by Shawna at Nov 22, 2025, 05:23 PM

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Jess

1 month ago

Planning helps everyone know their role. Definitely option A!

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Maira

2 months ago

But without groundwork, how can managers succeed? B is solid.

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Devora

2 months ago

I feel like option C is important too. Communication is key.

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Merilyn

2 months ago

Option B makes the most sense. It lays the foundation.

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Cyril

2 months ago

I think planning is crucial for setting clear goals.

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Coleen

2 months ago

I think it’s more about individual goals than organizational ones.

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Marquetta

2 months ago

It lays the foundation for everything we do.

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Celestina

3 months ago

Wait, is planning really that important?

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Christoper

3 months ago

Totally agree, it’s essential for success!

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Annabelle

3 months ago

B) Establishes groundwork for the managers to achieve the goals of the organization. Duh, isn't that what planning is all about?

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Dick

4 months ago

Haha, planning? What is this, a trick question? Everyone knows HR professionals just make up the rules as they go!

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Billi

4 months ago

A) Directs the project team and staff to accomplish the project scope. While this is important, I don't think it's the primary purpose of planning for an HR professional.

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Sharen

4 months ago

D) Establishes groundwork for the managers to achieve their goals. I think this is the correct answer as it focuses on the managers' individual goals.

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Sheron

4 months ago

I keep getting confused between options B and D. They both seem similar, but I think B is more focused on the organization as a whole.

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Dierdre

4 months ago

I practiced a similar question, and I feel like planning is more about directing the team, which makes me think of option A.

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Effie

4 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I remember something about planning helping to communicate the direction of the organization. Maybe that's option C?

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Terrilyn

5 months ago

This seems straightforward to me. The primary purpose of planning as an HR professional is to establish the groundwork for managers to achieve the organization's goals, not just their own. I'm confident option B is the correct answer.

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Staci

5 months ago

Okay, I've read through the question a few times now. I think the key is understanding that the purpose of planning is to support the organization's objectives, not just the manager's individual goals. So I'm going to go with option B.

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Janet

5 months ago

Planning is all about setting the direction and communicating it to the team, so I'm leaning towards option C. But I want to double-check the other options to make sure I'm not missing anything.

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Bea

5 months ago

Planning helps set clear goals for the team.

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Timothy

5 months ago

B) Establishes groundwork for the managers to achieve the goals of the organization. This seems like the most comprehensive answer.

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Noemi

5 months ago

I think the primary purpose of planning is to establish groundwork for managers to achieve the organization's goals, so I might lean towards option B.

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Giovanna

6 months ago

I agree, B is essential for achieving organizational goals.

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Naomi

6 months ago

Hmm, this is a tricky one. I'm not entirely sure about the difference between the organization's goals and the manager's personal goals. I'll have to think this through carefully.

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Salley

6 months ago

I think the primary purpose of planning as an HR professional is to establish the groundwork for managers to achieve the goals of the organization. Option B seems to capture that best.

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