mission and vision statements different. Mission and vision statements are essential to any organization’s strategic planning process. While they may seem similar at first glance, the two have significant differences. Understanding these differences is critical for organizations to develop a clear and compelling strategic plan.
A mission statement defines an organization’s purpose and primary objectives. It explains why the organization exists and what it aims to achieve. A mission statement is typically short, providing a clear and compelling account of the organization’s purpose. It is often used to guide decision-making and set priorities within the organization.
In contrast, a vision statement describes the future state that an organization hopes to achieve. It outlines the organization’s long-term goals and aspirations and directs its growth and development. A vision statement is often more aspirational and inspirational than a mission statement, providing a clear and compelling image of the organization’s future. While a mission statement focuses on the present, a vision statement focuses on the future and gives the organization a sense of purpose and direction.
A business must decide what it wants and how it will do it. Peter Drucker was the first to realize that companies need clear rules to run each operation smoothly. From a strategic point of view, a company needs to have specific goals based on its resources. In the business world, Peter Drucker used the term for the first time in 1974. See also: British Airways Mission and Vision Statements 2023
Let’s discuss the mission and vision statement and what you need to know about them.
What is a mission statement?
The mission defines a company’s core activities and purpose. Every company needs precise direction on what to do, what to achieve, and how that will happen. The mission describes the purpose and guidelines of the company.
Are mission and vision statements different?
A mission statement is a well-written document that includes the product or service of a company, its target market, purpose, and goal.
A mission statement should have three key components.
- Key market
- Contribution
- Distinction
To understand more, let’s break down an actual mission statement and how it uses the critical components of the mission statement.
An example of a mission statement
The mission statement of Boeing is, “We are working across the industry to enhance air travel health safeguards.”
Here are the key elements of the mission statement of ‘Boeing.
Key market: Boeing has mentioned wanting to work in the aviation industry. The target market is the mass audience of the airline industry.
Contribution: Contribution depicts how a company solves a problem through its product or service. Boeing contributes to its target audience through air travel services and products.
Distinction: Boeing outlines its distinctive features by adding that it will work for a healthy air travel experience.
How do I make a mission statement more feasible?
A company should keep the following points in mind when writing a mission statement:
- Customer
- Products or services
- Market
- Technology
- Concern for survival, growth, and profitability
- Philosophy
- Self-concept
- Concern for public image
- Concern for public image
What is a vision statement?
A vision statement describes what a company will be in the future. It includes the long-term commitment of the company. A vision statement showcases the aspiration behind building the company.
One can get a glimpse of the company through the vision statement.
A vision statement is “an organization’s written document about its long-term goals, upholding what it wants to be in the future.”
A company must include the following elements in its vision statement:
- Futuristic
- Company values
- Company direction
- Inspiration
- Conciseness
By analyzing a vision statement, one can understand how all the essential elements can be used to make a viable statement.
An example of a vision statement
The vision statement of Boeing is “People working together as a global enterprise for aerospace leadership.”
Let’s see how Boeing uses different components in its vision statement.
Futuristic: The vision statement clearly states its future goal is to become an industry leader, and it’s precise and futuristic.
Company values: Boeing emphasizes people working together, which indicates the teamwork culture of the company. So, the company has practiced such matters as creating bonding and empathy to work together.
Company direction: Boeing is directed as the company aims to be a people-oriented global enterprise and global leader.
Inspiration: The inspiration for Boeing is to create a leading position in the aviation industry.
Conciseness: The vision statement has an accurate length. It’s easy to understand and precisely provides all the information.
Difference between a Mission and a Vision Statement
A vision statement tells what the company wants, and a mission statement tells how it accomplishes the vision. It is also necessary to draw a fine line between the mission and vision statements.
First, the mission statement indicates short-term goals, whereas the vision statement indicates long-term goals.
Secondly, the mission statement answers the questions ‘what’ and ‘how,’ whereas the vision statement answers why.
The next significant difference is that the mission statement can be changed under different circumstances, but the vision statement cannot be adjusted flexibly.
Mission statement vs. vision statement with table
Vision Statement Mission statement
shows a futuristic view Shows a strategic view
Concise Narrative
Directs where to go Directs how to go
For a long time, For a short time
Mainly used by the marketing team In operation
Why are mission and vision statements important?
Before building a building, a strong foundation is essential for its longevity. Such a foundation builds on some robust pillars. Companies also work in similar ways. The mission and vision statement are two of the company’s core pillars that work as a stronghold.
- With a mission and vision statement, the company cannot uphold a specific identity in the market.
- The mission and vision statements define a company’s direction.
- Companies can differentiate themselves and create brand recognition through mission and vision statements.
- Externally and internally, people get an overview of the company through the mission and vision statements.
- A vision statement works as an inspirational quote for the company.
- Employees get a clear-cut understanding of the company’s values.
- The mission and vision statements let employees know what to do and what not to do.
A company can use mission and vision statements interchangeably. Above all, both have a significant role in the company’s success and identity.