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What is a Vision Statement?
Article Details
  • Written By: Malcolm Tatum
  • Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
  • Copyright Protected:
    2003-2012
    Conjecture Corporation
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The creation of a vision statement can be a great asset to just about any type of organization. Essentially, a vision statement takes into account the current status of the organization, and serves to point the direction of where the organization wishes to go. As a means of setting a central goal that the organization will aspire to reach, the vision statement helps to provide a focus for the mission of the corporation, business, or non-profit entity. Here is some information about the construction of a vision statement.

While vision statements and mission statements are very similar in nature, there is a fine point of difference between the two documents. A mission statement is more concerned with the overall aim of the business, a simple statement of the company’s reason for being. Often the statement will include verbiage that makes a pledge to deliver a superior product or service to customers on a consistent basis. From this perspective, a mission statement is about maintaining a certain quality or attribute.

The vision statement, by contrast, is not about what the company currently is, but what the company hopes to become. As an example, a vision statement may acknowledge that the company already meets industry standards in customer support, while at the same time setting goals for moving customer care to a higher level within a given time period.

The vision statement is a form of values statement. Value statements are simply an acknowledgment of the inherent worth of the company and the products it produces. Value statements are usually brief and to the point. In like manner, a vision statement also is intended to be no more than a couple of sentences that clearly outline a specific goal of the company, while not providing the details of how that goal will be reached. Thus, the vision statement provides the direction for the company, while not inhibiting the development of the strategy that will allow the company to reach that lofty goal.

Many different types of organizations operate with a vision statement. Along with businesses, many faith based organizations, including religious denominations and individual congregations find the drafting of a vision statement to be helpful. Not for profit organizations have also found that a vision statement is a way of keeping everyone focused on an ultimate goal, even if there may have to be some changes in operation. As a means of reaching toward the future, a properly drafted vision statement can provide motivation and inspiration, without stifling creativity in finding the way to the ultimate aim of the statement.

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Discuss this Article

anon200419
Post 30
I'am asking if anyone can help me or suggest to me a vision and mission statement about agriculture, which is a coconut product. --gucilatar
sule1750
Post 29
How I can write a vision statement, mission and objective for a construction company?
anon160002
Post 26
thanks for this work. I was confused about the difference between mission and vision statements, but this work has clarified my doubts.
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anon139888
Post 23
how do i write the vision and objectives for my company which is involved in transportation and marketing. Thank you.
anon138877
Post 22
can you give me the words noun, adj, verb that are used in vision statement?
anon130189
Post 21
This website was very helpful.
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anon105940
Post 20
exactly what needs to be said, and succinctly.
anon100451
Post 18
Thanks a lot. This article help me and my friend to end our dispute, on how do political parties elect leaders. The answer was clear with no more argument. Regards, Don
anon99970
Post 17
i have learned a lot. this helped me lot.
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Wmatthies
Post 15
To those confused, still not sure about differences in mission and vision statements; you're not alone.

I found this description to be pretty good but maybe only because I've spent so much time studying planning (it's my business) and things related to change process management.

Part of that includes conducting original research with individuals and businesses who want to know more about change management, as well as individuals and businesses who advise others regarding change.

Regards, Bill M.

anon83586
Post 13
this did not help at all. it told me what a vision statement is, but did not tell me how to make one.
anon81176
Post 12
Can you give some material about what is a vision statement?
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anon80696
Post 11
The distinction between mission and vision has never been made so simple. Many thanks.
anon80077
Post 10
Would like someone to help with my vision and mission statement for a construction cc.
anon78730
Post 9
I need a vision statement about fashion design.
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anon77016
Post 8
How could vision and mission statement contribute to strategy-making of a organization?
anon72182
Post 7
thanks. got what i wanted.

anon69772
Post 6
so helpful.
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anon67853
Post 4
thanks. it's helpful.
anon66575
Post 3
Beautiful! Found it!
anon63242
Post 2
thanks. this helped.
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anon23530
Post 1
the answer to my question 'what is a vision statement' is clear, straight and to the point. thanks.

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