Final answer:
An aspirational description of the future state of an organization that identifies its primary goals is known as a vision statement. It differs from a mission statement, which outlines current purpose and objectives, and a strategic plan that details how to achieve long-term goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An aspirational description of the future state of an organization that identifies the organization's primary goals is best called a vision statement. A vision statement provides a broad, aspirational image of the future that an organization is aiming to achieve. It serves as a source of inspiration and provides clear decision-making criteria. A mission statement, on the other hand, typically outlines the organization's purpose, its core values, and its primary objectives, focusing more on its current operations and the scope of its activities.
A goal statement is more specific and outlines the measurable outcomes that an organization seeks to accomplish. A strategic plan, however, is a comprehensive document that sets out the long-term goals of an organization and includes detailed planning on how to achieve them, often with a strong focus on accomplishing tasks in a goal-oriented manner.