Principles of Management CLEP Practice Exam 2026 - Free Management Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that describes the essential leadership activities in management is core functions of management. This concept encompasses the primary activities that managers engage in to effectively oversee their organizations. These functions generally include planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.

Planning involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives. Organizing entails assembling and coordinating the resources needed to implement the plan. Leading refers to guiding and motivating employees to achieve the organization’s goals, which includes communication, inspiration, and direction. Finally, controlling involves monitoring and evaluating progress towards goals and making necessary adjustments.

Each of these activities is fundamental to effective management and leadership within an organization. The other options, while relevant to management, do not specifically capture this broad spectrum of essential leadership activities. Organizational structure refers to the way in which an organization arranges its lines of authority and communication, while management strategies focus on specific approaches taken to achieve objectives. Operational tactics are the day-to-day methods used to implement broader strategies. In contrast, the core functions of management provide a comprehensive overview of what leadership entails in a management context.