Writing a Mission Statement
Developing a mission statement
The corporate mission embodies the overall purpose of an organization. When developing and writing a mission statement, it should express the company’s philosophy and should answer fundamental questions such as: Why does the company exist? Who will be served and benefit from the company? What products or services will be provided? The majority of mission statements are presented using general, rather than detailed concepts.
In order to prepare an effective strategic plan, the management must first address the organization’s mission. The mission is a wide ranging statement which presents the organization’s raison d’etre in terms of its ability to satisfy some of the society’s needs while it’s objectives are the company’s broad goals.
The mission statement is likely to be formulated by the company’s board of directors. Although it will not be quantitative in nature, the areas to be covered when writing a mission statement should highlight the following : the kinds of products and services the company aim to provide, the customers to be served, the markets in which the company anticipates operating, the overview of the company philosophy and the broad expression of its policies, the company’s attitude towards matters encompassing social obligations, the manner in which management wishes the company to be perceived by the public.
The benefits and usefulness from developing or writing a mission statement are that all employees will gain an understanding of the organization’s purpose and philosophy. Expectations and attitudes within the firm will be expressed in terms of long-range vision. The organization will benefit from a common purpose which should result in decisions advantageous to the purpose of the company. The boundaries within which the company operates will be clearly laid down. An unambiguous statement regarding the overall direction of the company should lead to enhanced allocation of resources.
The mission statement also has an important role to play in helping management focus on fundamental issues in terms of strategic planning and will ensure that strategic plans do not conflict with the basic purpose of the organization.
In conclusion, the company would gain several benefits from the formulation and developing a mission statement. Writing a mission statement for all to see therefore greatly assist the decision-makers and those responsible for implementing the organization’s policies.