...In business, a mission statement defines what an organization is, why it exists and the reason for being. What are the benefits of having a highly defined mission statement? Explain why it is important for a company to define its values explicitly. Mission statements, a formal summary of the vision, objectives and values of a company, have become increasingly popular around the world. With the correct formulation and implementation, a mission statement can create clear vision of a company's main objectives. This can facilitate strategic direction of how a company moves from its present situation to its desired position. (Mirvis, Googins & Kinnicutt, 2010) Effective mission statements also have the ability to engage employees, and evoke an emotional response. With the right leaders, this response can be used as a tool to guide the behaviour of employees. (Campbell, 1997) "Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare", as this Japanese proverb suggests, mission statements can only be seen as a beneficial tool if the actions of a business complement its vision. Whilst mission statements are prominent in the corporate world, there is much debate about the process involved, and what one is to entail specifically. Collis and Rukstad (2008)(as cited in Khalifa, 2011) define the mission statement as "the underlying motivation for being in business in the first place." Based on this definition, the purpose of a mission statement is to identify the...
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...CHAPTER NO:1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 WHAT’S A MISSION STATEMENT? Imagine if you were the captain of your own ship. You wouldn’t let the ship sail just anywhere. You would have a direction and a destination to sail to. Either you’re sailing to a predetermined port of call, or your ship is in port, getting ready to sail to another destination. It’s the same with our lives. A mission statement clarifies what you want out of life. It gives you a clear sense of direction. You know where you need to focus your attention to create the desired outcome. As Zig Ziglar has said, “You cannot make it as a wandering generality. You must become a meaningful specific.” A mission statement is only a paragraph long, but it has specific, measurable outcomes and a deadline for accomplishing that outcome. It’s truly the best way to start your journey to success. Mission statement A mission statement is a statement of the purpose of a company or organization, its reason for existing. The mission statement should guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a path, and guide decision-making. It provides "the framework or context within which the company's strategies are formulated." Definition: A written declaration of an organization's core purpose and focus that normally remains unchanged over time. Properly crafted mission statements (1) serve as filters to separate what is important from what is not, (2) clearly state which markets will be served and how, and...
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...creation stages of building an organization, mission statements are usually one of the first tasks to be completed by founding members. This is because the mission statement is the backbone of the organization. Mission statements lay out the organization’s reason for existence. In laying out the purpose for the organization, it gives the different divisions of the organization an overall goal to meet when they set individual goals and engage in decision making. Also, the mission statement communicates the reason for the organizations existence for all interested parties, both internally and externally. This essay explores why mission statements are important by analyzing the different reasons the mission statement plays such an important role. Just as the sounds of many instruments work in harmony to make a song, there are many moving parts that work together in organizations to reach goals. In music, timing helps keep all the “parts” moving together to make a synchronized piece. In business, the mission statement sets the tone by which all the “parts” work to reach a goal. The mission statement states what the company does, how it does it, and what the company would like to achieve. The mission statement defines the purpose of the organization, aligns organizational efforts, and acts as a means of communication both internally and externally. All decisions made in an organization support the purpose set forth by the mission statement. If decisions are made that stray...
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...The Business Vision and Mission Learning Outcomes After studying this unit, you should be able to do the following: ➢ Describe the nature and role of vision and mission statements in strategic management ➢ Discuss why the process of developing a mission statement is as important as the resulting document ➢ Identify the components of mission statements ➢ Discuss how clear vision and mission statements can benefit other strategic management activities ➢ Evaluate mission statements of different organisations ➢ Write good vision and mission statements What Do We Want to Become? It is especially important for managers and executives in any organization to agree upon the basic vision that the firm strives to achieve in the long term. A vision statement should answer the basic question, “What do we want to become?” A clear vision provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive mission statement. Many organizations have both a vision and mission statement, but the vision statement should be established first and foremost. The vision statement should be short, preferably one sentence, and as many managers as possible should have input into developing the statement. Several example vision statements: ➢ The Vision of the National Pawnbrokers Association is to have complete and vibrant membership that enjoys a positive public and political image and is the focal organization of all pawn associations. - National...
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...Learning organizations are characterized by total employee involvement in a process of collaboratively conducted, collectively accountable change directed towards shared values or principles. (Watkins and Marsick 1992: 118) We can see much that is shared in these definitions – and some contrasts. To start with the last first: some writers (such as Pedler et. al.) appear to approach learning organizations as something that are initiated and developed by senior management – they involve a top-down, managerial imposed, vision (Hughes and Tight 1998: 183). This can be contrasted with more ‘bottom-up’ or democratic approaches such as that hinted at by Watkins and Marsick (1992; 1993). According to Sandra Kerka (1995) most conceptualizations of the learning organizations seem to work on the assumption that ‘learning is valuable, continuous, and most effective when shared and that every experience is an opportunity to learn’ (Kerka 1995). The following characteristics appear in some form in the more popular conceptions. Learning organizations: Provide continuous learning opportunities. Use learning to reach their goals. Link individual performance with organizational performance. Foster inquiry and dialogue, making it safe for people to share openly and take risks. Embrace creative tension as a source of energy and renewal. Are continuously aware of and interact with their environment. (Kerka 1995) As Kerka (1995) goes onto comment, the five disciplines that Peter Senge goes...
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...An organizational mission is an organization's reason for existence. It often reflects the values and beliefs of top managers in an organization. A mission statement is the broad definition of the organizational mission. It is sometimes referred to as a creed, purpose, or statement of corporate philosophy and values. A good mission statement inspires employees and provides a focus and direction for setting lower level objectives. It should guide employees in making decisions and establish what the organization does. Mission statements are crucial for organizations to prosper and grow. While studies suggest that they have a positive impact on profitability and can increase shareholder equity, they also support that almost 40 percent of employees do not know or understand their company's mission. Not only large corporations benefit from creating mission statements but small businesses as well. Entrepreneurial businesses are driven by vision and high aspirations. Developing a mission statement will help the small business realize their vision. Its primary purpose is to guide the entrepreneur and assist in refining the planning process. By developing a strategic plan that incorporates the mission statement, entrepreneurs are more likely to be successful and stay focused on what is important. The mission statement encourages managers and small business owners alike to consider the nature and scope of the business. Business Week attributes 30 percent higher return on several key financial...
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...What's the benefit of a mission or vision statement? By Ron Robinson, President of ABARIS Consulting Inc. February 4, 2002 What is a mission statement? According to Bain & Company, mission statements are one of the most frequently used management tools. Organizations spend thousands of hours and dollars developing mission statements and then more resources again on public relations to unfold them to their stakeholders. This is not surprising when you review the often-stated benefits of mission statements: • To communicate the direction of the organization. • To help make day-to-day operating decisions. • To keep the organization focused. • To motivate employees. Many authors have a variety of beliefs of what should be included in a mission statement. Ireland and Hill (1992) state that the mission statement should include the organizations goals, purpose, product and market scope and philosophical views. Davies and Glaister (1997) believe that it should include the organizations statement of purpose and inspirational view for the future. While Jamieson and Justice (1999) state that the framework for the development of a mission statement should begin with the organizations primary purpose, target market, core products or services, critical values and measures of success. One of the better practical definitions has been provided by Bartkus, Glassman and McAfee (2000) who basically state a mission statement is a statement to communicate a description of the firm to its...
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...2 The Business Vision and Mission True/False Introduction 1. Vision and mission statements can often be found in the front of annual reports. Ans: T Page: 56 2. Although it is important for companies to have a clearly defined mission statement, research has shown that less than 50% of all companies have used a mission statement in the previous five years. Ans: F Page: 56 What Do We Want To Become? 3. The foundation for development of a comprehensive mission statement is provided by a clear vision. Ans: T Page: 56 4. The mission statement should be short—preferably one sentence. Ans: F Page: 56 5. When developing a vision statement, input should be received from as many managers as possible. Ans: T Page: 56 6. If an organization chooses to have both a mission and a vision, the mission statement should be established first. Ans: F Page: 56 What Is Our Business? 7. According to Peter Drucker, asking the question “What is our business?” is synonymous with asking the question “What is our vision?” Ans: F Page: 59 8. A declaration of an organization’s “reason for being” is the mission statement. Ans: T Page: 59 9. A mission statement, sometimes called a creed statement, can be defined as an “enduring statement of purpose that distinguishes one organization from other similar enterprises...
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...Building an Ethical Organization Part I Axia College Building an Ethical Organization is not only important but also crucial to any organizations overall success. I am the newly appointed director of the Public Women’s Health Center. This organization is dedicated to helping out by providing women’s services and family planning to those in need. The Women’s Health Center is a provider of OB GYN care with excellence in family planning and counseling. WHC is a non-profit organization and a leader in health care for women today, with the most advance technology we are able to keep up with the ever changing times as well as the ever changing needs of the community to. The clientele for this organization will mainly be at risk women (youth) in the community as well as those in need of services because they cannot afford the treatment. The clientele is usually poverty stricken and have no other means for treatment otherwise. As the director I had the distinct pleasure of creating a mission statement that will strategically guide this organization through daily operations and decisions. The mission statement written expresses just that, guidance. The WHC mission statement: “To provide quality care, compassion and comfort to those within the community in need.” This mission statement supports the ethical system because it addresses the needs of the clientele as the main focus of the organization which is what the focus is supposed to be about as well as through acting as guiding...
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...A mission statement is precious tool to invent, exucute and expose the strategy of an organization. Genarally mission statements state the major purpose of company. According to Bart (1998) mission statement is an enduring statement of principle that exposes an organization’s product or service, markets, customers and philosophy. Mission the word itself describe some set of strategic plan which aims to achive target goal and objective within specific time. So mission statement of organization must carry the objectives and vision of company as well as the way to achieve those goals. Organizations overall background, aims,objectives, values,visions are included in mission statement. It is written in few words,single quotation,a sentence but...
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...Evaluating Mission Statements Three examples of Human Services Organizations are : 1. The United Way of America 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 3. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation Their Mission Statements are given below along with the webpage link : The United Way of America http://national.unitedway.org/about/missvis.cfm Mission Statement : To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) http://www.cdc.gov/about/mission.htm Mission Statement : To promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation http://www.aspe.hhs.gov/info/orgmission.shtml Mission Statement : The Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) advises the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on policy development in health, disability, human services, data, and science, and provides advice and analysis on economic policy. ASPE leads special initiatives, coordinates the Department's evaluation, research and demonstration activities, and manages cross-Department planning activities such as strategic planning, legislative planning, and review of regulations. Integral to this role, ASPE conducts research and evaluation studies, develops policy analyses, and estimates the cost and benefits of policy alternatives under consideration...
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...Chapter 2: The Business Vision and Mission CHAPTER 2 THE BUSINESS VISION AND MISSION I. WHAT DO WE WANT TO BECOME? It is especially important for managers and executives in any organization to agree on the basic vision that the firm strives to achieve in the long term. A. Importance of a Vision Statement 1. A vision statement should answer the basic question, “What do we want to become?” A clear vision provides the foundation for developing a comprehensive mission statement. 2. Many organizations have both a vision and a mission statement, but the vision statement should be established first and foremost. a. The vision statement should be short, preferably one sentence, and as many managers as possible should have input into developing the statement. b. The next table provides examples of several vision statements. Tyson Foods’ vision is to be the world’s first choice for protein solutions while maximizing shareholder value. General Motors’ vision is to be the world leader in transportation products and related services. PepsiCo’s responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate – environment, social, economic – creating a better tomorrow than today. Dell’s vision is to create a company culture where environmental excellence is second nature. Page 1 of 7 Chapter 2: The Business Vision and Mission II. WHAT IS OUR BUSINESS? A. Mission Statements 1. Peter Drucker says that asking the question, “What is our business...
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...An organization includes a set of people working together to achieve a common target. Every organization has its own visions and missions. Organizational change management is inevitable to improve an organization’s strength. The speed of managerial change has not been measured in current years and sometimes it may be increasing. The fast paced and repeated improvement in skills is making changes to managerial structure. Strategic change initiatives provide the root to the strategic changes. “The Strategic Change Initiative allows individuals and organizations to discover the Great Hope. The Strategic Change Initiative is designed to respond to that Great Fear that can block our effective response in Times of Great Change” (Woll). A strategic change initiative is mainly built on the missions of the company. It is planned according to the organizational vision and it formulates the scheme which will promote a better change toward the organizational growth. The strategic change initiatives should be undertaken with a long period vision of the prospective outlook and this will be along with the mission reports and its whole objectives that will strengthen the organizational target. These initiatives will provide the way to attain organizational changes. 2. Application Analysis: The vision of the organization is connected with its existence and expertise. The mission will be according to the people’s life in the skills and products reasonable and simple to utilize. The application...
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...Abstract Mission statements and organizational goals have evolved dramatically over the past twenty years. Once a mission statement was a simple statement that conveyed why the organization existed. Now, that same statement may include information about supporting sustainability and corporate responsibility. This document will look at trends within mission statements and goals. Organizational Goals According to dictionary.com, a goal is defined as the result or achievement toward which the effort is directed. For each goal that an organization sets, it also sets objectives. Objectives are short-term targets with measurable results. Without clearly-defined goals and objectives, organizations will have trouble coordinating activities and forecasting future events (Marler, 2013). Virtually every business has a goal or goals that they want to accomplish. Most start with mission statements that tell us why the organization exists and state goals on what they hope to achieve. One of the most comprehensive mission statements that review their goals in terms of leadership, quality and value, profits, ethics, and social responsibility is Caterpillar (King, Case, and Premo, 2010). Caterpillar Caterpillar will be the leader in providing the best value in machines, engines, and support services for customers dedicated to building the world’s infrastructure and developing and transporting its resources. We provide the best value to customers. Caterpillar people will increase...
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...MISSION STATEMENTS OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FIRMS: A CONTENT ANALYSIS Refika BAKO LU Marmara University, Turkey Bige A KUN Marmara University, Turkey ABSTRACT A well-designed mission statement is essential for formulating, implementing and evaluating business strategy. However the role of the mission statement in the strategic management of business firms has not been sufficiently highlighted in the research literature. The importance of mission statements to the effective strategic management of business organizations is well documented in the literature but it is quite surprising that minimal attention has been paid to the role of mission statements of socially responsible organizations. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the literature. It focuses on the socially responsible firms, which are listed in the Business Ethics' 100 Best Corporate Citizens Index, by selecting the firms whose mission statements could be seen clearly from their corporate websites. The mission statements are then analyzed to determine their components and the differences between the firms. Keywords: Mission Statement, social responsibility, content analysis It becomes apparent when appraising the some definitions of the mission concept is regarded as multidimensional concept by virtually all authors. Further, variations in conceptualization and the specific words used notwithstanding, it is possible to identify common elements that underlie most definitions of the concept. In contemporary...
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