What defines the main objectives of an organization's direction?

The main objectives of an organization's direction are best defined by strategic plans. Strategic plans outline the long-term vision and goals of an organization, providing a framework for decision-making and resource allocation. They help define where the organization wants to go and how it plans to get there, effectively establishing a roadmap for success. This encompasses both the overall mission of the organization and the specific objectives that support that mission.

While key policies, operational goals, and performance metrics are important in their own right, they typically serve to support the broader strategic plans rather than define the organization's primary direction. Key policies provide guidelines for behavior, operational goals focus on short-term targets within daily functions, and performance metrics are used to measure success against established goals. These components are essential for execution and evaluation, but the overarching strategy fundamentally shapes the direction of the organization.