The vision, mission, objective and goals are four legs of the same animals. Basically you cannot talk about the vision without talking about the mission, goal or objectives. Besides from their connection there are some Difference between mission and vision that exist between them. Therefore, the article wishes to outline the difference between a vision, mission, goal and objective. Below explained is what is the difference between vision and mission with example?
Vision
A vision can be defined as a mental picture for the future. It forms a person and a firm`s mental picture. Some organizations and firms have a vision that guides them to a place that they desire to achieve. This is a statement that tells the employees what the organization values and wishes to achieve or become. A vision gives a road map that an organization would like to meet in the reserved future. It helps in creating a common identity and a shared sense of purpose. The following are some of the characteristics of a vision;
- A vision must be inspiring
- A vision must form a mental picture of the future
- A vision must be attainable and realistic.
- It should be original and unique.
- A vision must be specific.
Goal
Goals can be defined as intermediary outcomes which is likely to be achieved within a certain timeframe. A goal is usually a target set by an individual or an organization in which an organization wishes to attain it.
Goals are usually categorized into two categories:
- Financial goals: These are associated to the profit from an investment or evolution in returns.
- Strategic goals: These focus on the accomplishment of the reasonable benefit in the business. A goal must be original and unique and it should raise a long term thinking.
Objective
Unlike a vision and mission, an objective can be defined as a specific aim or goal. Objectives are usually more clearly. Objectives show or play an imperative role in promoting the efficacy and success of an individual or organization. Objectives can be achieved within a given period of time and are overly specific. An objective is aligned to an organization or individual`s vision.
The following are some of the characteristics of an objective: Objectives should be detailed, explicit and they should be challenging. An objective should have a particular time horizon within which it is likely to be attained.
They should be flexible enough so that if changes are required, they may be incorporated easily. Objective are meant to be attainable, should be measurable and should be understandable. They are meant to achieve of the organization’s mission and vision.
MISSION
An organization that operates without a mission is like a soldier sent to war without a mission. Therefore, a mission is an integral part of a firm`s operations. A Mission gives an organization its purpose. Mission states the business reason for the organization’s existence. It relates the organization to the society. The mission of an organization should aim high and at the same time it must be realistic. A mission provides a strategic course for the organization. It is imperative to note that one can define a Mission as a fundamental work given by an individual to an individual or an organization. The following are some of the characteristics of a mission.
Motivational, realistic and achievable are a major characteristic of a mission. A mission must be motivating for an individual, organization and society. Because an individual or organization may motivate themselves with mission. A mission must not be too broad or too narrow, because when it is too broad it is rendered useless. And when a mission is narrow it confines a firm`s activates. The mission statement should specify the procedure of realizing an objective. The traces to attain the mission will be the motivating feature.
Finally, Objectives refer to the ultimate end results which are to be accomplished by the overall plan over a specified period of time. While Goals denote a broad category of financial and non-financial issues that a firm set for itself. A Mission gives an organization its purpose. A vision forms a person and a firm`s mental picture.
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