What is the management function that involves choosing tasks to attain organizational goals?

The management function that involves choosing tasks to attain organizational goals is planning. This function is crucial because it establishes the foundation for all other management activities. Planning requires managers to set specific objectives and determine the best course of action to achieve those objectives. It involves identifying what needs to be done, who will do it, how it will be done, and when it will be completed.

In the context of management, effective planning aligns resources and efforts with the strategic vision of the organization. It provides a roadmap that guides decision-making, helps prioritize initiatives, and allocates resources efficiently. Through planning, managers can anticipate challenges, assess risks, and set timelines that keep the organization on track towards its goals.

While other functions like controlling, leading, and organizing play important roles in the management process, they are not primarily focused on the initial task of identifying and selecting the necessary actions to achieve specific outcomes. Controlling is about monitoring progress and making adjustments, leading involves motivating and directing people, and organizing is about arranging resources and tasks effectively after planning has taken place. Therefore, planning is uniquely positioned as the function that lays the groundwork for achieving organizational objectives.