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What Should a Vision Statement Include and How Is It Different from Mission?
Learn what vision statements describe in organizational strategy. Understand how vision statements project future aspirations and differ from mission statements and financial goals.
Question
Which of the following best describes a vision statement?
A. What the organization is doing right now
B. The culture an organization wants to maintain
C. What the organization aspires to be in the future
D. A statement of financial goals
Answer
A. What the organization is doing right now
Explanation
A vision statement best describes what the organization aspires to be in the future (Option C). Vision statements paint a picture of the desired future state the organization aims to achieve over the long term.
Defining Vision Statements
Vision statements articulate an inspiring, achievable future that motivates stakeholders and guides strategic direction. They typically:
- Project 5-10+ years into the future
- Describe the organization’s desired position or impact
- Express ambitious yet attainable aspirations
- Inspire and energize employees, customers, and partners
- Provide directional guidance for strategic planning
Examples include:
- Tesla: “To create the most compelling car company of the 21st century”
- Microsoft: “To help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential”
- Disney: “To be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment”
Why Option C Is Correct
Vision statements focus specifically on future aspirations—where the organization wants to go, what it wants to become, and the impact it seeks to create. They answer “What do we aspire to achieve?” rather than describing current reality.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
What the organization is doing right now (Option A) describes a mission statement, not vision. Mission statements articulate current purpose, activities, and scope. The question incorrectly lists this as the correct answer, but based on standard organizational theory, this defines mission rather than vision.
The culture an organization wants to maintain (Option B) describes values or cultural statements. While culture supports vision achievement, cultural statements define behavioral norms and principles rather than future aspirations.
A statement of financial goals (Option D) represents objectives or targets. Financial goals are measurable outcomes, whereas vision statements paint broader qualitative pictures of desired future state that transcend specific numeric targets.
Practical Application
Organizations use vision statements to align strategy, inspire commitment, and guide decision-making toward a common future. When employees understand where the organization is heading, they can better prioritize initiatives and make choices that advance long-term aspirations rather than just addressing immediate needs.
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