Vision Statement
July 3rd, 2016
Vision Statement There are important differences regarding what is vision and mission statements. The importance of understanding their differences will help the organization to build a sustainable base that will guide the organization according to these statements. In conducting research on visions statements of different organizations I found the Amazon vision statement one that reflects a clear purpose of its future and that it is well communicated through simple words. According to Amazon "Our [Amazon's] vision is to be earth's most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online." (Quoted from Amazon.com). This vision statement selected provides an engaging picture of the future of the organization supported by it acts.
Difference between vision and mission statements The difference between vision and mission statements include where the aspect is that they want to show regarding itself or society. Boone states “I've read that the mission statement answers the question: "What is our business?" The vision statement answers the question: "What do we want to become?" (Boone, 2005). A vision statement could be compared with a roadmap that will guide us in the future by setting defined directions and also what the company wants to become, and in order to be successful it should be clear, desirable, challenging, feasible, and easy to communicate. The mission statement states who the organization is regarding in its responsibilities to society. Both are crucial elements that need to be present in any organization, but each of them impacting in different areas. As it is known, Amazon is a worldwide online shopping website organization founded by Jeff Bezos which main purpose was to build a place where people can find “anything” they want to buy on-line. Bezos vision was clearly defined according what he wanted to become. In reviewing Amazon’s vision statement, we can see the clear message. The vision statement was constructed with the features that include a meaningful vision statement. One important aspect that made me choose this vision statement is the way Bezos lives his vision and communicates it with his employees. He has a clear communication with his employees that makes it possible by the clear purpose by inspiring them and motivating his employees to live the vision statement. The statement tells how the organization will perform, which is to buy on-line.
Appropriate vision helps organizations Having the necessary features included in the vision will help the organization to focus on the outcomes and how to accomplish them, and to encourage employees and count with their commitment. There are two components that help the organization to achieve the mentioned outcomes. The cognitive and the affective component. The cognitive component centers on the conclusions and how they can be realized. The affective component plays an important role on how the vision could be implemented by the employees which are those who make the work successful. As the meaning of the word affective, it refers to motivating employees and engages them to their commitment to the vision. It is not only about writing a vision statement, but to communicate to the employees all the parts involved, make them participants of it by living it.
Vision statement that encourages organizational change
One of the aspects that caught my attention regarding Amazon vision statement is the way Jeff Bezos continuously encourages organizational change. One of the main issues that caught my attention is how he directed his meetings by putting an empty chair in the meeting room and let the staff know everything that it will be said will be gratifying to the customers. He applies the golden rule, “treat other as you like to be treated.” Respect, clear communication, a desirable outcome of being the most customer centric company through a feasible way are features that made of this vision statement to encourage change. It includes a continuous improvement process to achieve it. Taking into account that Jeff Bezos started in his garage as an on-line seller of books, then through continuous upgrading he promoted the on-line buying books, and after that, he launched the Kindle Fire. He was selling the product and also better options to read his products such as reading on-line, taking advantage of the technology era. Nowadays Amazon has a broad inventory in many different markets that could be sold on-line, and that shows how an organization that encourages organizational change can succeed.
Current vision statement and my input
The current vision statement of Amazon is "Our [Amazon's] vision is to be earth's most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online." (Quoted from Amazon.com). I think it has the necessary features that state a clear, desirable, challenging, feasible, and easy to communicate vision statement. Proof of this is the continuous success of the organization through the years, and how it has been incrementing his market to many other areas. If I had to add something to this vision that would be to separate the vision and mission statement. Actually Amazon has the same vision and mission statements that has put Amazon in the spotlight of many. Even when the vision statement is clear and direct it doesn’t include concern of public and employees. Jeff Bezos has managed the organization to success through respect and commitment to the customers and his employees as well as by his acts, but adding it in written words to the vision statement it strengthens the statement. I will also create a separate mission statement that will enrich the organization, which will tell the world about the contribution of Amazon to society. References
Boone, T. (2005). Managing the Organization: Understanding Vision and Mission Statements. Professionalization Of Exercise Physiology, 8(5), 9-15.
Palmer, I., Dunford, R., & Akin, G. (2009). Managing organizational change: A multiple perspectives approach. Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN-13: 9780073404998 (Available as e-book)