Final answer:
Management by objectives (MBO) is fundamentally 'Results-Oriented,' emphasizing the setting and achieving of clear, collaboratively agreed-upon goals to improve organizational performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing which of the following phrases describes a basic principle of management by objectives, the accurate description would be A. Results-Oriented. Management by objectives (MBO) is a strategic management model that aims to improve the performance of an organization by clearly defining objectives that are agreed to by both management and employees. The focus of MBO is on achieving measurable goals and ensuring team members understand what they are expected to accomplish. Management by objectives is not about enforcing a hierarchical structure, demanding autocratic leadership, or focusing solely on task specialization. Instead, it's about setting clear goals and working collaboratively to achieve them, aligning individual performance with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.