Which term describes the careful planning of organizational goals and objectives?

The term that most accurately describes the careful planning of organizational goals and objectives is "developing." This process involves not only setting specific goals but also detailing the steps and resources necessary to achieve them. Developing organizational goals and objectives requires a thorough understanding of the organization's mission, available resources, and external environment, allowing for strategic planning that aligns with the overall vision of the organization.

While execution refers to the process of putting plans into action, and designing relates to creating structures or frameworks to facilitate those plans, these activities occur after the goals have been developed. Delegation involves assigning responsibilities to others rather than the initial and critical phase of determining what the organization aims to accomplish and how to get there. Thus, "developing" is the most suitable term to describe this aspect of planning within an organization.