Final answer:
The correct answer is d. Planning and directing society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to this question is d. Planning and directing society. This function requires the manager to set a direction and determine what needs to be accomplished. Planning involves creating a roadmap for achieving organizational goals, while directing involves guiding and motivating employees to achieve those goals. Controlling involves monitoring and evaluating performance to ensure that goals are being met, and staffing involves acquiring and developing the right people to accomplish tasks. Organizing involves structuring and coordinating resources to achieve goals.
The function that requires a manager to set a direction and determine what needs to be accomplished is Planning. Planning involves identifying goals, establishing objectives, and devising strategies to achieve them. This is one of the principal functions of management, which lays the groundwork for the subsequent actions such as organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. Managers need to plan effectively to ensure that the organization's objectives are met appropriately and that resources are used efficiently.