Which step is NOT part of the continuous government management cycle?

The continuous government management cycle traditionally comprises steps that enhance the effectiveness of government operations and service delivery. This cycle typically includes planning, budgeting, and auditing, which are crucial elements in ensuring accountability and proper use of resources within government agencies.

Planning is essential for setting objectives and determining strategies to achieve them. Budgeting involves allocating resources in a way that aligns with the established plans, ensuring that funds are available to implement government initiatives. Auditing is a critical later-stage process that assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of various government programs, checking adherence to laws and regulations, and ensuring transparency.

Marketing, while important in certain contexts, particularly in the private sector or in communicating with the public, does not typically fit into the traditional framework of the governmental management cycle. This is because marketing is not a fundamental management function inherent to the government's operational structure and strategic planning processes. Thus, it is the outlier in this context, making it the correct choice for what does not belong to the continuous government management cycle.