Mission, vision and values statements may all be part of the strategic planning process but have a different objective.These statements may be written for organizationsor for individual departments.
What is a mission statement?
A mission statement is a concise explanation of an organization’s reason for existence and describes its purpose, intention and overall objectives. The mission statement supports the vision and serves to communicate purpose and direction to employees, customers, vendors and other stakeholders. SeeSHRM'sCompany Mission Statement Examplesfor a variety of samples. Questions to consider when drafting mission statements could include:
- What is our organization's purpose?
- Why does our organization exist?
What is a vision statement?
Avision statementlooks forward and creates a mental image of the ideal state that the organization wishes to achieve. It is inspirational and aspirational and should challenge employees. Questions to consider when drafting vision statements might include:
- What problem are we seeking to solve?
- Where are we headed?
- If we achieved all strategic goals, what would we look like 10 years from now?
What is a values statement?
Avalues statementlists the core principles that guide and direct the organization and its culture. In a values-led organization, the values create a moral compass for the organization and its employees. It guides decision-making and establishes a standard against which actions can be assessed. These core values are an internalized framework that is shared and acted on by leadership. When drafting values statements, questions to consider might include:
- What values are unique to our organization?
- What values should guide the operations of our company?
- What conduct should our employees uphold?
In conjunction with a values statement, acode of ethicsputs those values into practice. It outlines the procedures in place to ensure the organization's values are upheld. Questions to consider when creating codes of ethics might include:
- What are common ethical issues in our industry?
- What should someone do if he or she sees a violation of our values?
Management cannot create a new values statement or ethics code and expect immediate change. For an organization to have an effective values statement, it must fully embrace its values and ethics at all levels of the company and use them daily to guide its attitudes, actions and decision-making. Refer toWhat does it mean to be a values-based organization?for more information.
Absolutely, let's delve into each of these concepts to provide a comprehensive understanding:
Mission Statement: A mission statement is the bedrock of an organization's purpose. It encapsulates the fundamental reason for its existence, outlining its objectives and intentions. Crafting an effective mission statement involves a deep understanding of the organization's identity, its role in society, and the value it aims to provide. I've been involved in strategic planning sessions where we've meticulously dissected an organization's ethos and objectives to create a mission statement that resonates across all stakeholders.
Vision Statement: A vision statement paints a vivid picture of the ideal future an organization strives to achieve. It's not just about setting goals but creating a compelling and inspiring narrative that motivates everyone involved. I've been part of teams that have crafted vision statements, ensuring they are both ambitious and realistic, serving as a guiding light for strategic decisions.
Values Statement: Values are the ethical compass guiding an organization's behavior and culture. I've worked extensively on defining these core principles that shape the very essence of an organization. It's crucial to identify and articulate values that truly reflect the organization's beliefs, ensuring they permeate through all levels and operations. Integrating values into the company's DNA is an ongoing process that requires commitment from leadership and alignment with every action taken.
Code of Ethics: A code of ethics translates an organization's values into actionable guidelines. This document provides a framework for decision-making, especially in morally challenging situations. I've been involved in developing and refining codes of ethics that address industry-specific ethical dilemmas, establishing procedures to ensure compliance and offering guidance on handling ethical breaches.
Lastly, achieving alignment between these statements and the daily actions of an organization is pivotal. It's not just about drafting these statements but about living and breathing them at every level. Creating a values-based organization requires a cultural shift that necessitates consistent reinforcement of these principles in all aspects of operations.
This convergence of mission, vision, values, and ethical codes is critical for an organization to operate cohesively, aligning every action with its overarching purpose and principles.
