Mission

  The mission of an organization is often depicted as a statement.  It is a written statement which defines an organization's core purpose.  According to the business dictionary a properly crafted mission statement:

1. Serves as a filter to separate what is important from what is not. 
2. Clearly state which markets will be served and how.
3. Communicates a sense of direction to the entire organization.

  The mission can be described as the causal factor, which ultimately creates or moves the company in the direction of the vision (effect).  Another way to discern or understand the difference between an organizations vision and their mission is to look for the difference between future and present.  A vision is future based.  It is "where" you are headed.  The mission on the other hand explains why the organization exists.  

Reference: Business Dictionary - Mission Statement

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