A Mission Statement defines the company’s business, its objectives and its approach to reach those objectives. A Vision Statement describes the desired future position of the company. Elements of Mission and Vision Statements are often combined to provide a statement of the company’s purposes, goals and values. However, sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. Typically, senior managements will write the company’s overall Mission and Vision Statements.
Other management at different levels may write statements for their particular divisions or business units. The development process requires managers to:
Clearly identify the corporate culture, values, strategy and view of the future by interviewing employees, suppliers and customers
Address the commitment the firm has to its key stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders and communities
Ensure that the objectives are measurable, the approach is actionable and the vision is achievable
Communicate the message in clear, simple and precise language
Guide management’s thinking on strategic issues, especially during times of significant change
Help define performance standards
Inspire employees to work more productively by providing focus and common goals
Guide employee decision making
Help establish a framework for ethical behavior
Enlist external support
Create closer linkages and better communication with customers, suppliers and alliance partners
Serve as a public relations tool
Develop buy-in and support throughout the organization