What serves as a roadmap for an organization in achieving its goals?

The strategy of an organization serves as a roadmap for achieving its goals because it outlines the long-term plan and direction in which the organization intends to move. A well-formulated strategy provides a comprehensive framework that guides decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring that every action aligns with the organization's objectives. This involves analyzing the internal and external environments, identifying opportunities and threats, and determining the best courses of action to reach desired outcomes.

While a mission statement communicates the organization's purpose and core values, it does not detail the specific plans or actions needed to achieve goals. Core competencies refer to the unique strengths and capabilities that give a competitive advantage but do not encapsulate the broader strategic approach. Order winners identify the factors that give a company a competitive edge in meeting customer needs, but they are components of the strategy rather than the overarching plan itself.