Businesses are motivated by different targets at different levels within the organisation. Which of the following best represents a top down sequential description of these motivations?

In a business context, the correct sequence of motivations from a top-down perspective is structured as follows: mission, objective, and strategy.

The mission reflects the fundamental purpose of the organization, conveying its core values and overarching goals. It sets the direction and is the highest-level motivator that informs all subsequent layers of planning and decision-making.

Objectives are the specific, measurable outcomes that an organization aims to achieve in alignment with its mission. They provide concrete targets and milestones that help measure progress and success in fulfilling the overarching mission. These objectives are often structured to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to provide clear guides for action.

Finally, strategy encompasses the plans and actions that the organization will implement to achieve its defined objectives. It is essentially the roadmap that aligns resources and efforts to ensure that objectives are met in the context of the mission.

This top-down approach emphasizes how a clear mission informs the formulation of specific objectives, which are then pursued through strategic planning and execution, ensuring coherence and alignment within the organization’s goals at various levels.