The blank is planning.

Quick Scoop: The Correct Function

In management, setting goals and figuring out how to achieve them is the core of the planning function. Planning comes first because managers must decide what they want to accomplish before they organize people, lead them, or control results.

A simple way to remember it:

  • Planning = Decide where you want to go and how you’ll get there.
  • Organizing = Arrange people and resources to follow that plan.
  • Leading = Motivate and guide people to carry out the plan.
  • Controlling = Check results against the plan and correct course if needed.

So, for your question:

“setting goals and figuring out how to achieve them describes the _____ function of the management process.”

✅ Answer: planning.

TL;DR: In the management process, the function that involves setting goals and deciding how to achieve them is planning.

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