Mission and Vision Statements

Introduction A vision statement outlines the market position that an organization anticipates to acquire in the future. It is often short, concise and offers directions that should be followed by the organization. However, it does not give details of how organizational goals should be achieved.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Mission and Vision Statements specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It helps employees to be focused and also motivates them. A mission statement on the other hand is general and focuses on the overall reason behind the existence of an organization. It states why an organization engages in its current activities and strives to maintain certain qualities that define the organization. Therefore, it is important for an organization to follow certain criteria as it designs its mission and vision statements in order to portray the true value of the organization . Criteria for Designing an Appropriate Mission Statement An appropriate mission statement justifies the existence of an organization. It highlights current activities that the organization carries out and needs of customers it endeavors to meet in future. It also defines the customers and goods and services required to satisfy their needs. The following are the criteria that an organization should follow in order to design an appropriate mission statement. An appropriate mission statement should be straightforward, brief and must have a sharp focus. This is because a mission statement that is stated in generic terms makes it difficult for people to understand it. An appropriate mission statement should focus on the market and needs of customers. It should give a clear explanation of how an organization plans to meet the needs of its clients. An appropriate mission statement should show the prevailing market environment. This implies that it should not contain information that does not relate to the prevailing market env ironment because this makes it unpopular. An appropriate mission statement should inspire and motivate employees by making them feel valued and respected. An appropriate mission statement should be derived from the competitive advantage of an organization. This emanates from good knowledge of outstanding resources and skills of the organization, which cannot be implemented by other organizations. Justification of the Criteria The above criteria are important in the design of a mission statement because they enable an organization to understand its customers and look for ways of ensuring that the customers are satisfied. A mission statement designed on the basis of the criteria described above helps an organization to adopt the prevailing market trends. It also assists an organization to reinforce its organizational strengths in order to achieve competitive advantage in the market.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These criteria ensure that organizational activities are clearly outlined in the mission statement, customers are defined and a justification for the existence of the organization is provided. As a result, this increases the focus and commitment of employees . Criteria for Designing an Appropriate Vision Statement A mission statement is restricted to an organization’s current activities while a vision statement paints a picture of the future of the organization. A vision statement addresses future customers, markets, competitiveness and performance of the organization. The Designing of an appropriate vision statement follows the criteria below. An appropriate vision statement should exhibit the boldness of an organization in achieving goals that might seem difficult to achieve. It should make employees feel that they own the organization. An appropriate vision statement should capture the future by providing a clear picture of where an organization should be in the future. It should outline future plans of the organization and the customer’s needs it intends to address. An appropriate vision statement should motivate employees by clarifying the focus of customers as well as the market. It should also identify capabilities that an organization should pursue. An appropriate vision statement should inspire employees by portraying an image that excites them. It should also make them enthusiastic and expose them to challenges that make them more committed to organizational activities. An appropriate vision statement should be guided by the purpose of an organization. This implies that it should be designed in a manner that portrays employees as the most important assets of the organization, rather than insignificant parties . Justification of the Criteria The above criteria are important in formulating a vision statement because they strengthen the abilities and competencies of an organization. In addition, th ey motivate employees to concentrate on increasing their efficiency, which in turn enhances organizational commitment level and initiates positive change among them. Appropriate criteria enable organizations to design a meaningful vision statement, which facilitates implementation of strategic plans by assessing products, alternatives and services. The criteria outlined above create a vision statement that increases the competitiveness of an organization after a specified period of time. The vision directs employees and shapes the organization’s overall destination. Similarities in Criteria for Designing Appropriate Mission and Vision Statements Both mission and vision statements are designed on the basis of market analysis and concentrate on satisfying the needs of customers, as well as ensuring that an organization does not lose its competitiveness in the market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Mission and Vision Statements specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Furthermore, the criteria for designing a vision statement puts emphasis on the fact that motivation is important for employees since it increases their productivity and enables an organization to attain competitive advantage. Differences between Criteria for Designing Mission and Vision Statements The criteria for designing a good mission statement put emphasis on the present needs that an organization should address. These include satisfaction of customer’s needs, analysis of products and services and strategies of sustaining competitive advantage. On the other hand, the main focus of a vision statement is the future of an organization, which directs the management with regard to the most important decisions that should be made for the organization to realize its goals. Furthermore, a mission statement is designed on the basis of the prevailing competitive advantage of an organization, special competencies and resources . On the other hand, a vision statement endeavors to excite employees and trigger their emotions. This encourages them to fully participate in all organizational activities. Conclusion Appropriate vision and mission statements enable an organization to attain competitiveness in the market. This implies that mission and vision statements of an organization should be designed following the right criteria for the organization to succeed. They should focus on the needs of customers and the market since satisfaction of customer’s needs is a critical issue that an organization should focus on. They should motivate employees and treat them as important individuals who contribute towards organizational success. In addition, mission and vision statements should assist the management to make critical decisions, which play an important role towards achievement of organizational goals.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Healthfield, S. (2009). Build a strategic framework: mission statement, vision, values. Web. McNamara, C. (2012). Basics of developing mission, vision and values statements. Web. The business vision and company mission statement. (2007). Web. Welch, S., Welch, J. (2008). State Your Business. Web. This essay on Mission and Vision Statements was written and submitted by user Danny Garrett to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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