What is defined as a general guide for action over an extended time period?

The correct answer is the concept of a goal. A goal is fundamentally a desired outcome that an organization seeks to achieve over an extended time period. Goals are often broad, encompassing the overall vision of what the organization wants to accomplish. They help guide decisions and provide direction for the organization, allowing it to focus its efforts over time.

Strategies, while similar, tend to be more specific in how to achieve broader goals, often outlining approaches or methods. Policies serve as guidelines or principles that govern decisions and actions within an organization but may not necessarily define long-term outcomes. Tactics are the specific actions or steps taken to implement a strategy, often shorter in time frame and more immediate compared to the overarching nature of goals.

In this context, goals establish the long-term aspirations that inform both strategies and policies, positioning them as essential elements in shaping an organization's trajectory.