What is described as a means for achieving organizational goals?

The strategic plan is recognized as a comprehensive framework that outlines an organization's objectives and the means by which those objectives are achieved. It serves as a roadmap, detailing the actions and resources necessary to reach short-term and long-term goals. A well-crafted strategic plan aligns the organization’s vision, mission, and values, providing direction and focus for all operational activities.

In contrast, while evaluation processes, operational improvements, and compensation philosophies are important components of organizational functioning, they serve different roles. The evaluation process is concerned with assessing performance and outcomes, operational improvement focuses on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, and compensation philosophy pertains to how an organization structures its pay and benefits to attract and retain talent. None of these elements individually encapsulates the broader concept of establishing and achieving organizational goals like the strategic plan does.