Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

Which aspect of an organization should be measurable for overarching guidance?

1. Vision and values

2. Mission and vision

3. Goals and objectives

4. Mission and goals

The correct answer is: Goals and objectives

In the context of organizational guidance, the correct choice is goals and objectives because these elements provide a framework that can be quantified and assessed over time. Goals represent broad, general intentions that an organization aims to achieve and are typically long-term aspirations. Objectives, on the other hand, are specific, measurable actions or milestones that contribute to the attainment of those broader goals. By making goals and objectives measurable, organizations can track progress, evaluate performance, and adjust strategies as needed. This aligns well with the principles of strategic planning and management, as it helps ensure that efforts can be directed toward tangible outcomes. Having measurable goals and objectives also facilitates accountability and encourages a results-oriented culture within the organization. While vision and values, as well as mission and vision, are important for setting the tone and direction of an organization, they are often more abstract and qualitative, which makes them less suitable for direct measurement compared to the more concrete and specific nature of goals and objectives.