What term refers to the long-term results an organization aims to achieve?

The term that refers to the long-term results an organization aims to achieve is long-term objectives. Long-term objectives are explicit statements that define what an organization seeks to accomplish over a prolonged period, typically spanning several years. These objectives serve as a guiding framework for strategic planning and decision-making, enabling organizations to align their resources and efforts toward achieving significant goals.

Setting long-term objectives is critical because they help to define the direction of the organization, creating a clear vision for where the organization intends to be in the future. This focus enables better prioritization of initiatives and resources, ensuring that all efforts contribute meaningfully to overarching goals.

In contrast, concepts like generic strategies or grand strategies pertain to the broader frameworks or approaches organizations may adopt to compete effectively in the marketplace, rather than specific results the organization seeks to achieve over the long term. Functional tactics are more about the day-to-day actions and decisions made to support the larger strategic objectives, which are operational in nature and typically shorter in time frame. Thus, the distinction lies in long-term objectives being a clear articulation of desired outcomes over time, anchoring the organization’s strategic efforts.