Which managerial function ensures that strategic goals are being met as planned?

The correct answer, which identifies the managerial function that ensures strategic goals are being met as planned, is controlling. This function plays a crucial role in the management process by monitoring and evaluating organizational performance against predefined standards and objectives.

Controlling involves measuring actual performance, comparing it to the established goals, and taking corrective actions when necessary. This process ensures that the organization remains aligned with its strategic objectives, facilitating adjustments in policies, strategies, and operations to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.

In the context of management, planning involves setting the direction and objectives but does not directly ensure that those objectives are met. Leading is about motivating and guiding employees, while organizing focuses on the structure and resource allocation within the organization. While all these functions are interconnected and important for overall management success, controlling is specifically aimed at monitoring progress and ensuring that strategic goals are achieved as planned.