executive

Executive is a term used to describe roles and activities associated with executing tasks or enforcing laws and policies. In government and business, it can refer to the leadership responsible for making decisions and directing resources. The word also functions as an adjective, describing actions, offices, or agencies that have decision-making or enforcement authority.

In government, the executive branch is charged with enforcing laws, administering public policy, and managing the administration of services. It is typically headed by a chief executive, such as a president or prime minister, and includes a cabinet or council of ministers. The exact structure varies by country; some systems separate head of state and head of government.

In the corporate world, an executive is a high-ranking manager responsible for setting strategy, allocating resources, and overseeing operations. Common titles include chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer, together with executive directors or vice presidents. Executives report to a board of directors and are subject to corporate governance, performance targets, and regulatory requirements.

Other uses include executive orders or decrees by a head of government, and the term "executive function" in psychology, referring to cognitive processes used in planning and problem solving. The term thus covers both formal office holders and the higher-level decision-making activities across institutions.