by Marlene Mcpherson

Created on: July 22, 2010   Last Updated: July 23, 2010

What to include in a mission statement.

The establishment of a business organization necessitates the writing of a mission statement. This business document will be the rallying point for the enterprise. Management usually places it prominently in the area of the foyer of the building where there is heavy trafficking of the public  for consistent viewing. This serves to inform the consumers about the purposes, goals and objectives of the business.  This simple but powerful document includes four features.

The first feature brings out who this organization is about. All business organization starts because there was a void to be filled or a need to be met.   To fulfill the particular need a business is started which either is to render a service or provide goods. For example during the Neighborhood Watch meeting of the community of Retreat, the minutes brought to the fore that a number of communication problems were being experienced by some residents.  After much deliberation it was concluded that this community had persons who were illiterate so they were unable to use the inter net and transact their business efficiently.  It was then suggested that a Reading Sanctuary be set up and Mary Hutton, a graduate teacher could be paid to instruct these residents four days of the week.     

Mary Hutton pointed out that she saw this as a business proposition and as such she would like it to have a mission statement. To this the body agreed. Other persons became enthusiastic and a board was formed. 

The second feature in the mission statement usually brings out who is the target customer.   Here the residents are the main customers. Here it serves to give service to the community to enhance their reading skills. This will help them to communicate efficiently so that they can utilize the computer.

 A third feature of the mission statement is to communicate the customer value. literacy is of great value to the community hence the establishment of the reading sanctuary.  

The fourth feature is answering the question what should our business be?  Here the objectives should be set out in specific, short-term statements that should be measurable. This gives the idea as to where the business is going.  This would be an ongoing plan to eliminate illiteracy. 

In the case of the Reading Sanctuary, the following would be the likely  be their mission statement.

The Reading Sanctuary aims to serve the residents through instructions to alleviate the problems associated with illiteracy in the area of Retreat and its environs. The board and its shareholders will make every effort to help members of the group reach their literacy potentials. This will be done on a timely basis so that the customers will become efficient communicators and the community progressive.

It can be seen that this formal written document is a must if the business organization is to remain viable.  It acts as a guide and helps to point to the employees and management alike.

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