Which of the following is a basic management skill that involves setting goals?

Planning is indeed a fundamental management skill that centers around setting goals. This process involves determining what an organization aims to achieve in the future and then devising a strategy to reach those objectives. Planning allows managers to clarify the organization's direction and prioritizes the steps needed to succeed. It provides a framework for decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring that everyone within the organization understands the goals and their role in achieving them.

In contrast, staffing pertains to the process of recruiting, hiring, and training employees to carry out the organization's tasks, while controlling involves monitoring progress and implementing corrections as necessary to stay on track towards the goals established. Directing refers to leading and motivating employees to ensure they are aligned with the organization's objectives. Each of these skills is essential for effective management; however, planning distinctly emphasizes the establishment of goals as a foundational step in the management process.