MGMT project

10/20/21, 4:36 PM Mission Statements

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Mission Statements

Mission statements are not required and there is no firm rule about how they should be written. The statement should give a very brief explanation as to why the company exists. Some companies have written goals and values and visions. These are different from a mission statement. The most effective mission statements are concise with only one or two sentences. 

How to Write a Mission Statement with 10 Inspiring Examples.

(Berry, T., 2021)

Berry (2021) contends that there are five essential elements to writing a mission statement.

1. Have a market-defining story  A market defining story is in the background of the written statement. It is what to think about while formulating the statement. It is the understanding that customers need to be drawn to the business and want or need their product or services. It is also the understanding of how the business is different from others and what it can provide that others can’t. These things must be understood before the mission statement can be created.

2. Define what your business does for its customers Begin with the positive contribution your company makes to society or customers. Highlight the good!

10/20/21, 4:36 PM Mission Statements

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3. Define what your business does for its employees The mission statement might include a phrase about what it offers for its employees. If you can’t be unique in this segment, it may be better to avoid this topic. In other words, you don’t want a mission statement to say what 100 other companies could say. If they apply, use words like fairness, diversity, creativity, and empowerment for emphasis. Some businesses may choose to focus more on the customer or the team.  American Express includes the team in its mission: “We have a mission to be the world’s most respected service brand. To do this, we have established a culture that supports our team members, so they can provide exceptional service to our customers”.

4. What does the business do for its owners Most businesses are created to make money. It is rare that a business exists for any other reason. Not all mission statements mention profits and that is understandable. Most mission statements focus on the customer to lure them in.  Some of the most effective mission statements incorporate ownership and profits. In one short sentence, Warby Parker, an eyewear company, includes customers, employees, and owners in their mission statement.  “Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially-conscious business.”

5. Discuss, digest, cut, polish, review, and revise A mission statement should not be written in one sitting. There should be a draft and then discussion. Reword, edit, and reword again. It is critical to avoid a statement that many other companies could also have. This does not allow your company to stand out and often does not tell anything about what you really do.

10/20/21, 4:36 PM Mission Statements

https://myclassroom.apus.edu/d2l/le/enhancedSequenceViewer/43326?url=https%3A%2F%2Ff54cbe36-23a9-4505-85fe-e251f80ec34d.sequences.api.brightspace.com%2F43326%2Factivity%2F4853238%3FfilterOnDates… 3/3

Avoid using phrases that everyone always uses. Phrases such as “provide the best product,” “world-class,” and “great customer service” often are dismissed because they are too familiar. Be certain that what you do write is valid and not just made up jargon. If you don’t highlight customer service in your business, don’t say it. Spread the draft around to others and ensure they voice their opinions before you finalize.

As your business grows, review and revise when necessary. As with everything, change is constant, and so your mission statement need not be carved in stone.

10/20/21, 4:55 PM Mission Statements

https://myclassroom.apus.edu/d2l/le/enhancedSequenceViewer/43326?url=https%3A%2F%2Ff54cbe36-23a9-4505-85fe-e251f80ec34d.sequences.api.brightspace.com%2F43326%2Factivity%2F4853238%3FfilterOnDates… 1/3

Mission Statements

Mission statements are not required and there is no firm rule about how they should be written. The statement should give a very brief explanation as to why the company exists. Some companies have written goals and values and visions. These are different from a mission statement. The most effective mission statements are concise with only one or two sentences. 

How to Write a Mission Statement with 10 Inspiring Examples.

(Berry, T., 2021)

Berry (2021) contends that there are five essential elements to writing a mission statement.

1. Have a market-defining story  A market defining story is in the background of the written statement. It is what to think about while formulating the statement. It is the understanding that customers need to be drawn to the business and want or need their product or services. It is also the understanding of how the business is different from others and what it can provide that others can’t. These things must be understood before the mission statement can be created.

2. Define what your business does for its customers Begin with the positive contribution your company makes to society or customers. Highlight the good!

10/20/21, 4:55 PM Mission Statements

https://myclassroom.apus.edu/d2l/le/enhancedSequenceViewer/43326?url=https%3A%2F%2Ff54cbe36-23a9-4505-85fe-e251f80ec34d.sequences.api.brightspace.com%2F43326%2Factivity%2F4853238%3FfilterOnDates… 2/3

3. Define what your business does for its employees The mission statement might include a phrase about what it offers for its employees. If you can’t be unique in this segment, it may be better to avoid this topic. In other words, you don’t want a mission statement to say what 100 other companies could say. If they apply, use words like fairness, diversity, creativity, and empowerment for emphasis. Some businesses may choose to focus more on the customer or the team.  American Express includes the team in its mission: “We have a mission to be the world’s most respected service brand. To do this, we have established a culture that supports our team members, so they can provide exceptional service to our customers”.

4. What does the business do for its owners Most businesses are created to make money. It is rare that a business exists for any other reason. Not all mission statements mention profits and that is understandable. Most mission statements focus on the customer to lure them in.  Some of the most effective mission statements incorporate ownership and profits. In one short sentence, Warby Parker, an eyewear company, includes customers, employees, and owners in their mission statement.  “Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially-conscious business.”

5. Discuss, digest, cut, polish, review, and revise A mission statement should not be written in one sitting. There should be a draft and then discussion. Reword, edit, and reword again. It is critical to avoid a statement that many other companies could also have. This does not allow your company to stand out and often does not tell anything about what you really do.

10/20/21, 4:55 PM Mission Statements

https://myclassroom.apus.edu/d2l/le/enhancedSequenceViewer/43326?url=https%3A%2F%2Ff54cbe36-23a9-4505-85fe-e251f80ec34d.sequences.api.brightspace.com%2F43326%2Factivity%2F4853238%3FfilterOnDates… 3/3

Avoid using phrases that everyone always uses. Phrases such as “provide the best product,” “world-class,” and “great customer service” often are dismissed because they are too familiar. Be certain that what you do write is valid and not just made up jargon. If you don’t highlight customer service in your business, don’t say it. Spread the draft around to others and ensure they voice their opinions before you finalize.

As your business grows, review and revise when necessary. As with everything, change is constant, and so your mission statement need not be carved in stone.

10/20/21, 4:38 PM Organizational Culture

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Organizational Culture

Edgar Schein proposed four layers of organizational culture

1 – Values  (these are stated by the organization within their goals and mission)  Values are what is important to any given company. Obviously if a company values a formal environment, then wearing jeans and sneakers would not be allowed. You should know before you begin to work there that they value a formal environment.

2 – Beliefs (these are more specific). I can use the example of Chik-Fil-A. They have Christian beliefs and they run their business based on those beliefs. They do not open for business on Sunday because it is a day of rest. Obviously, if you can’t agree to accept their beliefs in the way they run their business, I would not think you should work there.

3 – Behaviors (day to day operations). These behaviors would include structures, work procedures and policies, and operating controls. If you work for Wells Fargo, the employees would most likely have certain behaviors each day since there

10/20/21, 4:38 PM Organizational Culture

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are always clients within hearing distance. They would know to wear business attire, always speak quietly to subordinates, and never use language or actions that would be offensive to clients.

4 – Taken for granted assumptions or Paradigm. These are the core of the culture of an organization and are commonly known and practiced aspects of behavior. One can assume that an organization has an informal atmosphere by looking and talking to the employees. If most employees enter the building wearing jeans and sneakers then outsiders can assume they have a relaxed environment.