What does the term 'effectiveness' in management refer to?

The term 'effectiveness' in management specifically refers to the degree to which an organization achieves its goals and objectives. It focuses on the outcomes and results of actions taken, rather than the processes or methods used to achieve those results. When managers are effective, they ensure that efforts lead to hitting targets and fulfilling the strategic vision of the organization, which is crucial for overall success.

While some of the other options relate to important aspects of management—such as efficiency (doing things right), cost management, and resource utilization—they do not capture the essence of 'effectiveness' as directly as achieving goals does. Achieving goals is about aligning actions with the intended outcomes, which is the core of effectiveness in any management context.