Which of the following elements is included in the process of strategic planning?

In the process of strategic planning, the involvement of top executives is crucial because these leaders are responsible for setting the vision, mission, and overarching goals of the organization. Their strategic insight and authority facilitate the alignment of resources, workforce, and processes to pursue long-term objectives. They bring a wealth of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the organization and its external environment, which is essential for making informed decisions that drive strategic initiatives.

While hiring new staff, reducing operational costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction are important aspects of an organization's ongoing operations, they are typically more tactical in nature and may not be direct components of the strategic planning process. Strategic planning focuses on setting the direction and priorities of the organization, whereas these other options may emerge as actions taken to support the broader strategy after it has been determined.