Difference between Mission and Objective
In the world of business, mission and objective are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they have different meanings and it’s important to understand the distinctions between them to set clear goals and guide strategic planning.
The main difference is that mission is the overall purpose or reason for an organization’s existence whereas objective is a specific, measurable, and time-bound target that supports the mission.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Mission and Objective:
- Mission: A mission is a statement that defines the reason for an organization’s existence, its values, and the target audience it serves. It is a broad statement that outlines the organization’s long-term goals and guides its overall strategic planning.
- Objective: An objective is a specific, measurable, and time-bound target that supports the mission. Objectives are more concrete and actionable than missions, and they provide a framework for achieving the organization’s overall goals.
Now, let’s move to Mission vs Objective:
Major differences between Mission and Objective
| Mission | Objective |
|---|---|
| Mission is a broad statement that defines the reason for an organization’s existence. | Objective is a specific, measurable, and time-bound target that supports the mission. |
| Mission outlines the organization’s long-term goals and guides its overall strategic planning. | Objective is a short-term target that helps to achieve those goals. |
| Mission is often expressed in qualitative terms, such as values and vision. | Objective is expressed in quantitative terms, such as numbers and percentages. |
| Mission is often unchanging. | Objectives are frequently updated to reflect changing circumstances or priorities. |
| Mission is a statement of intent. | Objectives are actionable steps that support that intent. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Mission and Objective”.
Also see:
- Difference between Objective and Function
- Difference between Subjective Questions and Objective Questions
- Difference between Scope and Objective
Final words
Mission and objective are two distinct concepts in business that serve different purposes. Both mission and objective are important for the success of a company, and they should be clearly defined and communicated to all stakeholders to guide decision-making and evaluation of performance.
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