In the management process, which function involves establishing objectives and determining a course of action?

In the management process, which function involves establishing objectives and determining a course of action?

• A. Controlling
• B. Organizing
• C. Leading
• D. Planning

Answer: (D)

Planning is the management function that involves establishing objectives and determining a course of action. It sets goals, identifies what must be done, decides which resources are needed, and maps out the steps and timeline to reach those targets. This direction then guides what happens in the other functions—organizing structures and resources, leading people to carry out the plan, and controlling performance to stay on track. So, the act of setting objectives and deciding how to achieve them is the essence of planning.

Planning is the management function that involves establishing objectives and determining a course of action. It sets goals, identifies what must be done, decides which resources are needed, and maps out the steps and timeline to reach those targets. This direction then guides what happens in the other functions—organizing structures and resources, leading people to carry out the plan, and controlling performance to stay on track. So, the act of setting objectives and deciding how to achieve them is the essence of planning.