Which of the 3 E's deals with using inputs to achieve the organisation's goals?

• A. Economy
• B. Efficiency
• C. Effectiveness
• D. Excellence

Answer: (C)

Focusing on whether the organization actually achieves its aims. The three E's describe different aspects of resource use: economy is buying inputs at the lowest cost, efficiency is turning inputs into outputs with minimal waste, and effectiveness is about achieving the organization’s objectives. Using inputs to reach the goals is about doing the right things to attain those goals, which is effectiveness. You can be economical or efficient without being effective if the outputs don’t meet the aims, and you can be effective without being highly efficient if costs are high but targets are met. Excellence is not part of the formal trio.