Define the Mission of an Organization a Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand what a mission statement is and why it is important for an organization
- To identify the main components of a mission statement and how they relate to the organization's vision, values, and goals
- To apply the principles of writing a clear, concise, and compelling mission statement to your own organization or project
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Peter Drucker (1973) contended that a business is not defined by its name or articles of incorporation, he was of the view that a business is defined by its mission statement. What makes a business is if it has a clearly defined mission and purpose.
A mission statement is more than just a catchphrase. It is an authoritative expression of the organization's purpose, values, and goals. It defines why the organization exists, what it does, how it does it, and who it serves.
A mission statement aids the organization in a number of ways such as;
Inform its identity and direction to its stakeholders, such as customers and employees among others
Align its activities and decisions with its core values and objectives.
Inspire and motivate its members to work towards a common vision.
Differentiate itself from its competitors and stand out in the market.
Evaluate its performance and progress towards its desired outcomes.
For an organization to clearly define its mission statement, there are some key steps that can be followed;
Recognize the requirements and difficulties that the organization aims to address. This is usually done by conducting market research, analyzing customer feedback, or brainstorming with the team.
Define the target audience or beneficiaries of the organization's products or services. This can be done by segmenting the market, creating customer personas, or mapping the customer journey.
Articulate a concise and clear statement that summarizes the purpose, values, and goals of the organization. This can be done by using simple and powerful language, avoiding jargon and clichés, and incorporating emotional appeal.
The features of a mission statement are;
It should be Specific meaning that it should clearly state what the organization does and for whom.
It should be Measurable in that it includes quantifiable indicators that are to help track progress.
It has to be Achievable; the mission ought to be realistic and attainable within the resources and capabilities of the organization.
It ought to be Relevant: It should be aligned with the current needs and expectations of the target audience and the market.
The mission has to be Time-bound meaning that it should have a clear timeline or deadline for achieving the goals.