The role of mission statements and organizational philosophies

¶ … Organizational Philosophies and Mission Statements

Organizational Philosophies

The Importance of Understanding Organizational Philosophies and Mission Statements

Mission, vision, value statements, objectives and philosophy act as a compass for an organization. When formulating these documents administrator's need to be careful to assure they reflect the true nature of the organization. Organizational objectives are the starting point of managerial actions. They determine the purpose and the desired end result. They help to define the organizations culture.

Philosophy

The statement of philosophy is defined as an explanation of the systems of beliefs that determine how a mission or a purpose is to be achieved. An organizational philosophy states the beliefs, concepts and principles of an organization.

Nurse Service Philosophy

The nursing service philosophy is a statement of beliefs that flows from and is congruent with the institution's philosophy. The belief system of the nursing philosophy should reflect the nursing division member's ideas and ideals for nursing and should be endorsed by others in the organization.

Mission Statements

Mission and purpose are used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. A mission statement helps an organization to connect its activities to the needs of society and legitimize its existence. A purpose statement also is focused externally, however it relates to the specific segment of the society to which it serves. It defines the business which the institution will undertake.

The most effective mission statements contain seven essential dimensions: 1) key values and beliefs, 2) distinctive competence, 3) desired competitive position, 4) competitive strategy, 5) compelling goal/vision, 6) specific customers served and products or services offered, and 7) concern for satisfying multiple stakeholders. A mission statement should define what the company is, define what the company aspires to be, be limited to exclude some ventures, yet broad enough to allow for creative growth, distinguish the company from all others, serve as a framework to evaluate current activities, and stated clearly so that it is understood by all. At the most basic, the mission statement describes the overall purpose of the organization.

Conclusion

Mission statements and philosophies define why the organization exists and play a part in establishing organizational culture. They also provide the basis for strategic planning. Any goals a company sets for itself should contribute towards the achievement of organizational goals. Once the organization has a strategic plan it should ensure that this flows down to the departments within the business. So each department makes a plan that contributes towards the achievement of the organizational strategic plan and the fulfillment of the organizational mission.