Which of the following represents the first step in the basic planning process?

The first step in the basic planning process is situational analysis. This step involves assessing the current environment and understanding the internal and external factors that can impact an organization's operations. Conducting a situational analysis allows supervisors and managers to gather essential information about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (often summarized as SWOT analysis). This foundational step is critical as it informs all subsequent phases of planning.

By understanding the current state of the organization and the context in which it operates, leaders can set realistic and achievable goals. Once the situational analysis is complete, the organization can effectively proceed to goal setting, where specific objectives are defined based on the insights gathered. Thus, situational analysis lays the groundwork for informed decision-making in the planning process.