Which function of the management process requires a manager to establish goals and standards and to develop rules and procedures?

The management function that involves establishing goals and standards, as well as developing rules and procedures, is planning. Planning is a fundamental step in the management process because it sets the direction for an organization. Managers must identify the objectives they wish to achieve, determine the necessary steps to reach those objectives, and create strategies that guide decision-making and resource allocation.

In this phase, creating specific rules and procedures is essential as they provide a structured approach for employees to follow, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organization's goals. This leads to clear expectations, allows for better coordination of activities, and helps in measuring progress towards the set objectives. By establishing a comprehensive planning framework, managers also mitigate risks and enhance the likelihood of achieving their desired outcomes efficiently.

Other options, while related to management functions, do not focus on the establishment of goals and standards in the same foundational way that planning does. Organizing, for instance, deals with arranging resources and tasks to implement the plans. Leading involves motivating and directing people to work towards the goals set during the planning phase. Controlling, on the other hand, involves monitoring progress and making adjustments, which comes after goals and plans have been established through planning.