In ITIL 4, guiding principles are defined as recommendations that can guide an organization in all circumstances, regardless of changes in its goals, strategies, type of work, or management structure.
Their purpose is to provide a stable, enduring foundation for decision-making and behavior. Even when an organization changes its objectives (for example, shifting markets, changing strategies, or restructuring), the guiding principles remain applicable and relevant. They help ensure consistency, alignment, and good practices over time, even as other elements evolve.
That is why, according to ITIL 4, guiding principles should remain constant within an organization, even when objectives change.
Why the other options are incorrect:
A. OutputsOutputs are tangible deliverables produced by activities (e.g., reports, software releases, documentation). These will naturally change as objectives, projects, and priorities change, so they are not constant.
C. Service offeringsService offerings (combinations of goods, access to resources, and service actions) are designed to meet customer needs. As markets, customer demands, and business strategies change, the organization’s service offerings are expected to change as well.
D. OutcomesOutcomes are the results achieved for a stakeholder, enabled by outputs and services. When business objectives change, the desired outcomes also change, so they are not fixed.
Therefore, the only element that is designed to remain constant despite changing objectives is the set of guiding principles.