Availability of a clear, strategic mission statement
The existence of a mission statement, which is a written expression of purpose– the overall reason an organization exists.
A mission statement is clear and strategic if it:
- Defines the program or organization’s purpose;
- Defines the program or organization’s intended clients;
- Is used to guide strategic planning; and
- Is reviewed periodically to assure that it provides a vision for the future and continues to reflect fundamental values and goals.
Data Requirement(s):
Evidence of a written mission statement; other information on the organization’s mission.
Organizational/program documents including plans, staff orientation materials, policy manuals and statements, and marketing materials.
This indicator provides a summary measure of the existence of a clear sense of direction in the form of a written mission statement. Having a clear mission statement that is well disseminated within an organization facilitates strategic planning and setting priorities based on the needs of current and potential clients.
Although programs and organizations without a formal mission statement may perform in a highly effective manner, a mission statement serves the important function of helping to keep staff focused on the accomplishment of long-term objectives.
Although the basic mission of an organization may remain the same for an extended period, the language of the mission statement must provide a clear focus and a priority for organizational strategies and activities.
This indicator is quantifiable on a scale of 0 to 5, as indicated below.
| 0 | No written mission statement |
| 1 | Mission statement exists but fails to conform to the above criteria |
| 2 | Mission statement exists and conforms with only one of the above criteria |
| 3 | Mission statement exists and conforms with 2 of the above criteria |
| 4 | Mission statement exists and conforms with 3 of the above criteria |
| 5 | Mission statement exists and conforms with all 4 of the above criteria |
Even with a quantifiable scale for which to measure this indicator, this indicator is still somewhat subjective. Evaluators should be mindful that although an organization may have a clear, strategic mission statement available, this is a benchmark indicator and a step toward addressing the more important issue, which is the use of the mission statement to guide the organization’s objectives and strategic planning.
policy, health system strengthening (HSS), management