what is a mission statement

A mission statement is a short statement that explains why an organization exists, what its overall goal is, the goal of its operations, what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation. It may also include a short statement of such fundamental matters as the organizations values or philosophies, a businesss main competitive advantages, or a desired future state—the "vision". A mission statement is generally short, either a single sentence or a short paragraph, explaining a companys culture, values, and ethics. It serves several purposes, including motivating employees and reassuring investors of the companys future. A mission statement helps a company respond to change and make decisions that align with its vision. It is a concise explanation of an organizations reason for existence and describes its purpose, intention, and overall objectives. A good business mission statement defines an organization in a nutshell, boils down the reason for its existence, and delivers it to the public in a way that is easy to digest. Developing a mission statement is a lengthy process that involves the input of team members who fully understand the business, employees, customers, industry, and the products and services the company provides.