Final answer:
An internal control system in business is designed to achieve control goals. Control plans are the specific steps and procedures implemented to achieve these goals, while general controls provide the overarching framework for the control environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
An internal control system in business is designed to achieve control goals, which are the specific objectives that an organization wants to accomplish through its internal control system. These goals can include safeguarding assets, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial records, promoting operational efficiency, compliance with laws and regulations, and enhancing the reliability of financial reporting.
Control plans, on the other hand, refer to the specific steps and procedures implemented by management to achieve these control goals. These plans outline the actions that need to be taken to mitigate risks and achieve the desired control objectives.
General controls are the overarching policies and procedures that govern the overall control environment of an organization. They provide a framework for the design and operation of specific control plans and help ensure the effectiveness of the internal control system as a whole.