Which level of planning concerns the highest level of management?

Strategic planning concerns the highest level of management because it involves long-term goals and the overall direction of the organization. Executives and top management engage in strategic planning to define the vision, mission, and objectives that guide the organization for several years into the future. This level of planning takes into account the external environment, competition, market trends, and internal capabilities to create a framework that directs all other levels of planning and decision-making within the organization.

Operational planning, on the other hand, is focused on the short-term day-to-day tasks necessary to run the organization. It typically deals with specific procedures and processes at a lower level, making it more tactical in nature. Tactical planning bridges the gap between operational and strategic planning by outlining how to implement the strategies developed in the strategic plan but is still not primarily concerned with high-level decision-making. Contingency planning prepares an organization for unexpected events and challenges but doesn't establish the overarching direction required at the highest management level. Thus, strategic planning is key to setting the foundation for all subsequent planning efforts within the organization.