Background Information

A vision is a short statement that will guide the company over the next three to five years. It is not the strategic plan, but helps guide that plan. The vision should guide what is put in the strategic plan. It should be capable of driving the organization to achieve a common goal, and be somewhat motivational so that there is a reminder of what the organization is trying to achieve when the going gets tough. That sets a tone for the organization. The tone of the organization is what creates an environment that supports growth and ethical business practices. Without a vision, a business is like a ship without a rudder and is in danger of drifting aimlessly. Many businesses lack a clear vision, and tend to jump from project to project without a clear understanding of what binds the company together and/or the value created by individual actions. The company vision should provide the cornerstone for everything that is completed in the business. A company's mission is what tells the employee, shareholders, or outsiders the organization's purpose. Normally they are short statements designed to last for a period of time. A company can change or update their mission. For instance, if two companies merge, the mission statements for the two companies would meld into one and convey the new purpose.

Tasks

1. Evaluate the congruency of an organizations mission and vision statement.
2. Describe whether the organization is living the mission.
3. Justify your argument for or against the organization living the mission.

Organization Selected: IBM