Course: AMP-492
Vision Statement of an Organization
Grand Canyon University
1. Difference between a vision statement and a mission statement.
Mission and vision statements articulate an organizations values and services and its place in the competing world. They guide the organization towards long-term goals and influence every aspect of the organization and its operations. So, basically we can say that mission and vision describe the goals and objectives of an organization. But often people get confused in vision and mission statements.
The vision projects the future status of the organization or where the organization imagines being in coming time whereas the mission explains the ongoing time independent goals or the purpose of the soul existence of the organization and how it continues to maintain the current state. A vision is the end result of mission. Vision statements tell what we wish to accomplish as a result of the work we have taken up or we wish to take up. On the other hand mission statements tell us what we need to do in order to accomplish the goal and who all are benefited from it.
A vision describes hopes from the organization on successful outcomes. What comes first depends on the state of the organization. If it is emerging then the vision guides the mission and if it has accomplished its mission then vision will guide mission. While mission covers the current state of the organization in terms of its internal and external resources and capabilities, the vision covers the expectations from ongoing projects or upcoming deals which could bring better fortune. Mission focuses on the present and vision on the future. Mission informs about the processes and the level of performance. Vision is a source of motivation and inspiration, it not only describes the change in organization but also the changes and benefits it would bring to the society.
2. How the vision statement chosen is appropriate for the organization?
We have chosen the example of Coca-Cola Company here. The organization has clearly stated its mission, vision and values. It states what they aspire to be in near future and how their visions guide their work to maintain its quality of service and growth. It has clear cut vision statements designed for everyone associated with the brand and hence they have to work together for collective goal.
In its vision statements it states its objectives to people who work for the company, presents portfolio of quality to people who consume its products, a winning goal to its partners, sustainable plans for the planet, profit margins for shareholders and productivity graph of the organization. They have a long term vision which they call their 2020-vision, they are describing how they look for achieving success along with abiding by the values they serve. Their vision statements not only share the collective goal but also show the route to achieve it. It shows their focus, smart work, ownership feeling and their responsibilities as the big brand.
3. How a vision can help an organization?
A vision statement gives direction to an organization. It gives a clear picture of what is to be achieved in the next 5 to 10 years, while it takes the mission and adds human values to it. The vision statement presents a collective goal before the employees of the organization, so that they know where they are going and what is expected from them. It also raises the expectations and trust of customers. If a company has been working for and achieving its vision statements in past then it customers are willing to risk investing in its projects in future since they have seen its sincerity and have high hopes from it in future. This has a positive effect on the market value and reputation of the organization.
Vision helps in having a clear goal and hence helps in recruitments and selection process where u can let people know what kind of people you are looking for to head towards your mission. It helps in taking up projects which has to add to the collective goal and as a result influences the decision making process too. Having a clear vision makes it easy for an organization to grow and expand by attracting funds and reliable resources. A powerful vision statement stretches expectations and pushes you to work beyond your comfort zone.
4. Whether or not the vision statement encourages organizational change.
A vision statement directs the organization towards a long term desired change as a result of the organizations ongoing or upcoming projects and programs. Change is an essential component of every organization in its development process. Vision statements help to drive the organization toward its purpose and include the organization’s values. Vision statements are crafted keeping in mind the current state of the organization and what can be done to polish its future. Based on the vision statement which lays down the objectives of the organization all employees can work on the same page designing business strategies to achieve the objectives stated and bring a positive change.
Changes in an organization are often fueled by the vision statements that will not only involve the employees but also inspire the consumers to work along with the organization. The quality of vision statements give a clear picture of the desired outcome and hence encourage changes that has to make to existing programs in order to fulfill the collective goal. Vision statements inspires and motivates the company to bring a change not just to the current state of the company but also the changes it would infuse in society.
5. Current vision and how would you improve the vision statement for the organization you chose?
Visions of an organization are its picture of near future and hence they should be inspirational for workers as well as consumers, ambitious to grow and succeed. The goals need to be realistic and creative. The vision statements should descriptive, clear and consistent. The Coca-Cola company has clearly stated its goals as a company and stated the roles everyone associated with the company plays in order to maintain its current state and on the journey to further success.
The current vision statements can be improved by adding further inspirational statements which are also clear and memorable so that every time some decision is made you can ask that how does it contribute to achieving our vision. It can include visions of sustainable development as well where they plan to reduce prices, enhance quality, recycle and reuse method etc. They can include people’s expectations from the company and how they envision to granting those wishes. Their vision statements can focus on how their profits can be good to the society like funding education and health programs.
References
- Angelica E. (2001) The Fieldstone Alliance Guide To Crafting Effective Mission And Vision Statements
- The Coca Cola Company “Mission, Vision & Values” Retrieved from: www.coca-colacompany.com/our-company/mission-vision-values/
- Arline K. (2014) What Is a Vision Statement –Business News Daily
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