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The Global Insight

What does a mission statement tell you about a company?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 05, 2026

A mission statement defines what an organization is, why it exists, its reason for being. At a minimum, your mission statement should define who your primary customers are, identify the products and services you produce, and describe the geographical location in which you operate.

What is the purpose of the mission statement?

A mission statement is a concise explanation of the organization’s reason for existence. It describes the organization’s purpose and its overall intention. The mission statement supports the vision and serves to communicate purpose and direction to employees, customers, vendors and other stakeholders.

What is the mission of the company organization?

A mission statement defines what line of business a company is in, and why it exists or what purpose it serves. Every company should have a precise statement of purpose that gets people excited about what the company does and motivates them to become part of the organization.

How does a mission statement work?

A mission statement is a declaration of what makes the business important. By design, it guides the actions of the employees and draws in customers by creating direction by explaining what the company intends to accomplish.

How do you write a good mission statement?

How to Write a Mission Statement Define What Drives You: Say what the purpose is behind what you do. Be True to Yourself: Tell others who you are and what they can expect. Keep It Simple: Remove jargon and buzzwords. Edit, Refine, and Release: Parse and polish every word.

Why do you need a mission statement?

The purpose of a mission statement is to communicate the organisation’s purpose and direction to its employees, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders. A mission statement also creates a sense of identity for its employees.

What is a good mission statement?

A good mission statement often includes general principles to which a business’s workers are expected to adhere, and in return, includes declarations of the business’s obligations to its employees, its customers, and the community in which it operates.

How long should a mission statement be?

Most mission statements fall between two and four sentences and are not more than 100 words. Ultimately, your mission statement should be just the right length to get your point across, and it should be designed to be an internal document that tells how you inspire your team to achieve your company goals.