Final answer:
The correct answer is shareholders. Shareholders are the true owners of a corporation and elect the board of directors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is A) shareholders.
Shareholders are the true owners of a corporation. They are individuals or entities that own shares or stock in the company. Shareholders have certain rights, such as voting on important company decisions and receiving dividends.
The board of directors is elected by the shareholders and is responsible for overseeing the company's management and making important decisions. The CEO and corporate officers are appointed or employed by the board of directors to run the day-to-day operations of the corporation.