Which sequence correctly lists the four levels of the performance pyramid from top to bottom?

• A. Corporate vision; Business units; Business operating systems; Departments and work systems
• B. Corporate strategy; Operations; People; Processes
• C. Vision; Structure; Systems; Daily tasks
• D. Objectives; Divisions; Procedures; Activities

Answer: (A)

The performance pyramid shows how broad strategic intent is turned into day-to-day action by moving from high-level aims to concrete operations. At the top sits the corporate vision, the long-term purpose and direction of the organization. Below that are the business units, which take that vision and translate it into market-focused responsibilities and strategies for different parts of the company. Next come the business operating systems—the capabilities, processes, information flows, and technology that enable those units to operate effectively. At the bottom are the departments and work systems—the people, tasks, and ways of working that actually execute the processes every day. This structure ensures alignment from the overarching vision down to everyday tasks, so actions at the bottom support the strategic aims at the top.

Other sequences mislabel or misplace elements, making it unclear how execution is driven by strategy—so they don’t fit the upward-downward cascade as neatly.