Which set lists the five elements that support management's effective attainment of organizational goals?

• A. Planning, Organizing, Directing, Controlling Resources, and Staffing
• B. Planning, Organizing, Directing, Controlling, and Leading
• C. Planning, Staffing, Coordinating, Evaluating
• D. Leading, Managing, Controlling Resources, Staffing

Answer: (A)

Think of management as a bundle of activities that guide an organization toward its goals. The five classic functions that cover the full scope of what managers do are planning, organizing, staffing, directing (leading), and controlling. The correct choice lists exactly these elements: planning sets the direction, organizing structures the work and resources, staffing ensures the right people are in place, directing (leading) guides and motivates the team, and controlling resources monitors performance and makes adjustments as needed. Together, they provide a complete framework for achieving goals.

The other options omit one or more of these essential activities or swap in terms that don’t align with the standard five functions, so they don’t fully capture the management process.