In the context of the planning process, what are the targets or ends a manager wants to reach called?

In the context of the planning process, the targets or ends that a manager aims to achieve are referred to as goals. Goals provide clear direction and purpose for an organization’s activities and serve as benchmarks for measuring progress and success. They are specific statements about what the organization intends to accomplish and often guide the development of both objectives and strategies.

Objectives are typically more specific and measurable steps that support broader goals, while strategies encompass the methods and tactics employed to achieve those goals. Plans involve the detailed outline of how an organization intends to reach its goals, including timelines, resources, and responsibilities. However, the overarching term that describes the desired outcomes that managers strive for in their planning efforts is accurately identified as goals.