Which of the following is an example of a strategic direction? hire an external consultant to train executive leadership in strategic planning decide against strategic planning collect baseline data to begin strategic planning determine the goal the organization wants to accomplish within the planning time frame

To identify which option is an example of a strategic direction, let's analyze each choice: 1. **Hire an external consultant to train executive leadership in strategic planning**: This is more of an action or tactic to improve strategic planning capabilities rather than a strategic direction itself. 2. **Decide against strategic planning**: This is a decision but not a strategic direction. It indicates a lack of direction rather than providing one. 3. **Collect baseline data to begin strategic planning**: This is a preparatory step for strategic planning, not a strategic direction. 4. **Determine the goal the organization wants to accomplish within the planning time frame**: This is a clear example of a strategic direction as it involves setting a specific goal that guides the organization's efforts during the planning period. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: **Determine the goal the organization wants to accomplish within the planning time frame.**