Setting objectives and determining what should be done to accomplish them is the essence of the management function of:

A) controlling.
B) leading.
C) productivity improvement.
D) organising.
E) planning.

Management Function

Fundamental activities such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling that are performed by managers to achieve organizational goals.

Setting Objectives

The process of outlining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that direct actions and efforts.

Planning

The process of defining an organization's strategy or direction and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy.