The primary role of the board of directors includes overseeing the overall direction and strategy of the organization, ensuring that the organization adheres to its mission and goals, and making key decisions regarding the company’s operations and financial health. Among the options provided, the first statement aligns most closely with the role of the board of directors:
"They use financial data to determine how well the organization is doing and hold leaders accountable for meeting budgets and other obligations."
This reflects the board's responsibility to monitor performance, oversee management, and ensure that the organization is managing its resources effectively to achieve its objectives. The other statements pertain more to specific financial activities or roles rather than the overarching duties of a board of directors.