Final answer:
The stage of strategic planning where staffing structures and lines of authority and accountability are examined is known as Action planning. It's the phase where goals are matched with actionable steps, including defining responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of strategic planning discussed in Chapter 9 where the examination of current or possible structures for staffing and for lines of authority and accountability occurs is referred to as Action planning. This stage involves a critical analysis of how an organization will deploy human resources and establish lines of authority and accountability to realize its strategic goals. It's a phase where achievable and appropriate goals are matched with concrete, actionable steps, including delineating responsibilities.
Action planning is preceded by identifying goals, assessing current actions, and addressing challenges inherent in adopting a roadmap for the future. It is about transitioning from the theoretical stages of goal establishment and business modeling to tangible, executable plans. Action planning lays down the blueprint for how goals will be achieved, which may include structural changes, reallocation of resources, or the introduction of new processes.