Final answer:
The date on which the board of directors of a company authorizes the dividend is called the declaration date, which is when the company announces its intention to pay a dividend.
Step-by-step explanation:
The date on which the board of directors of a company authorizes the dividend is called the declaration date. This is the date the company officially decides to pay a dividend to shareholders and announces it publicly. After this date, the company will set the record date and payment date for the dividend. Shareholders who own the stock before the ex-dividend date are eligible to receive the declared dividend.