Business Plans: Analyzing Mission Statements
Large and small businesses develop mission statements to explain their purposes. Some statements are excellent; others, less so.
Your Task: Analyze the following selection of Fortune 500 company descriptions and mission statements. In a class discussion or an e-mail to your instructor,
- list four goals of mission statements,
- list five questions to be answered in preparing mission statements,
- explain which of the following statements fulfill the goals of winning mission statements discussed
- tell how the following statements could be improved.
Company
Mission Statement
1. AGCO manufactures and distributes agricultural equipment such as replacement parts, tractors, hay tools, and implements.
Profitable growth through superior customer service, innovation, quality, and commitment.
2. Dover Corporation manufactures equipment such as garbage trucks and electronic equipment such as ink-jet printers and circuit board assemblies.
To be the leader in every market we serve, to the benefit of our customers and our shareholders.
3. Eaton Corporation supplies parts for fluid power, electrical systems, automobiles, and trucks.
We are committed to attracting, developing, and keeping a diverse workforce that reflects the nature of our global business.
4. Graybar Electric Company acquires, stores, and distributes electrical, data, and communication components such as wire, cable, and lighting products.
We are a vital link in the supply chain, adding value with efficient and cost-effective service and solutions for our customers and our suppliers.
5. Harley-Davidson, Inc., manufactures motorcycles with over 32 models of touring and custom Harleys plus motorcycle accessories, motorcycle clothing apparel, and engines.
We fulfill dreams through the experience of motorcycling, by providing to motorcyclists and to the general public an expanding line of motorcycles and branded products and services in selected market segments.
6. IBM provides computer hardware such as mainframes, servers, storage systems, printing systems, and semiconductors, as well as software related to business integration, networking, operating systems, systems management, and so forth.
Operating a safe and secure government.