Which management function involves assessing an organization's performance against set goals?

The management function that involves assessing an organization's performance against set goals is controlling. This function is essential for ensuring that the organization is on track to meet its objectives. Controlling involves monitoring actual performance, comparing it against the established goals or standards, and taking corrective actions if necessary.

This process allows management to identify areas where performance may be lacking or where improvements can be made. For instance, if a company has set a sales target for the quarter and the actual sales fall short, the controlling function helps managers analyze the reasons for this discrepancy and implement strategies to enhance performance, such as revisiting marketing strategies or adjusting sales tactics.

In contrast, the other management functions such as planning, organizing, and directing serve different purposes. Planning focuses on setting goals and determining what actions are necessary to achieve them. Organizing involves arranging resources and tasks to implement the plans. Directing is about leading and motivating employees to work towards the objectives. While these functions are integral to successful management, they do not specifically focus on the evaluation of performance against goals, which is the hallmark of the controlling function.