In the business world, the clear definition of the mission, vision and values of a company is essential to establish a clear and coherent course that guides all actions and decisions. These elements are fundamental pillars that guide the identity and direction of an organization. In this article we will explore in detail what a company's mission, vision and values are, why they are important, and we will offer concrete examples of large companies that have been able to define and effectively communicate these key aspects of their corporate identity.
What are the mission, vision and values of a company?
The mission of a company is its reason for being, it is the statement that defines the purpose and basic function of the organization. In other words, it answers the question: why does the company exist? The mission establishes the general objectives of the company, its target market and the needs it aims to satisfy. It is the compass that guides all the activities, decisions and strategies of the company.
On the other hand, the vision of a company is the future image that it wants to achieve. It is an inspiring statement that describes what the company aspires to be in the long term. The vision provides a clear and motivating direction, and serves as a horizon towards which the company directs its efforts and energies. It is a fundamental element to align all members of the organization around a common and transcendental objective.
The values of a company are the fundamental principles or beliefs that guide its way of acting and relating to others. its stakeholders, both internal and external. Values represent ethics and organizational culture, and are the basis on which the company's practices and decisions are built. They are the expression of what the company values and considers important in its daily actions.
Importance of the mission, vision and values
The clear definition and effective communication of the mission, vision and values of a company are fundamental for several reasons:
- Alignment: They help align all members of the organization around a common purpose, facilitating cohesion and collaboration between teams
- Strategic orientation: They provide clear guidance on the objectives and direction of the company, allowing coherent and consistent decisions to be made over time.
- Corporate identity: They establish the identity and the positioning of the company in the market, helping to differentiate itself from the competition and build a solid and consistent image.
- Engagement: Inspire and motivate employees by communicating an attractive vision and values that resonate with them , promoting commitment and retention of talent.
Examples of mission, vision and values of outstanding companies
1. Google
Mission: organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.
Vision: provide all users access to the world's information quickly and easily.
Values: at Google, innovation, quality, transparency and diversity are some of the fundamental values that govern its way of working and relating to its users and employees.
2. Apple
Mission: Bring the best electronics experience to its customers.
Vision: Create innovative products that change the way in which people live, work and communicate.
Values: Excellence in design, simplicity and attention to detail are some of the values that have characterized Apple over the years and that have contributed to its sustained success in the market.
3. Amazon
Mission: To be the most customer-centric company on the planet, where customers can find and discover anything they want to buy online.
Vision: Offer the widest selection and greatest convenience to its customers, becoming the most consumer-focused company in the world.
Values: Customer obsession, constant innovation and operational excellence are some of the key values that have allowed Amazon to become the e-commerce giant we know today.
Conclusion
In summary, the mission, vision and values of a company are key elements of its corporate identity that guide its course, guide its actions and define its culture. These aspects are not only important for the long-term success of a company, but are also essential to attract and retain talent, differentiate themselves in the market and generate trust among their customers and society in general. Therefore, it is crucial that companies dedicate time and effort to clearly defining and communicating their mission, vision and values, and integrating them into all facets of their operation.