On a Mission: Can you Match the Mission with the Company?

At a2ethics.org we are seeking a mission. After doing just a little research, we have found there are books on writing mission statements! Of course there are. Where have we been? Given that we want a mission and feel we will be left out of the "Mission Statement or Die!" advice that some people who just know have proffered, we took some time to look at some of the mission statements of companies and organizations around the Ann Arbor area. We don't think we can improve on any of them. This has created mission statement depression for us. But an ethical challenge for you!

Here it is. Below are the mission statements of some randomly selected local companies and organizations offering products and services in our area. (We took them from their mission statements published on the web and accessed on 8/1/08). YOU are to decide:

1. What this company/organization does and who they are.

2. Then, please decide, based on your purchasing of their products or use of their services, whether in fact they live up to what their mission statement claims.

A. Mission Statement #1

"To be the best-loved provider of books, music, movies, and other entertainment and informational products and services. To be the world leader in selection, service, innovation, ambiance, communiity involvement, and shareholder value. We recognize people to be the cornerstone of the ________ experience by building internal and external relationships, one person at a time."

B. Mission Statement #2

"Hope, Freedom, Integrity & Excellence

Our mission is to support the people we serve in leading lives rich in community membership and personal fulfillment.

We accomplish our purpose through:

Excellence in service to individuals and families

Advocacy and Education

Partnerships and Alliances with others who share our vision

Our talented and committed staff light a path to an inclusive future.

Goals

1. Consumers belong to and participate in a community that they choose.

2. Families maintain their relationship with their loved ones.

3. ____Staff are a team of valued, qualified employees committed to excellence in service.

4. Washtenaw County is an inclusive community that offers a high quality of life to all."

3. Mission Statement #3

"The mission of the Ann Arbor______ ________Program is to develop each of our student-citizen-athletes as a complete person. In order to achieve this mission, we place emphasis on three crucial areas: critical thought and learning, social and civic responsibility, and competitive excellence. By teaching and modeling the sacrifice and dedication necessary to excel in these areas, every member of the Ann Arbor_____ _____Program contributes to the accomplishment of our mission."

4. Mission Statement #4

"We share the ______________Experience

Selling food that makes you happy

Giving service that makes you smile

In passionate pursuit of our mission

Showing love and caring in all our actions

To enrich as many lives as we possibly can."

5. Mission Statement #5

"The mission of the ________ __ ____________ is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future."

Ok, to submit your answers matching the mission statement with the company/organization, write them into the "Add New Comment" prompt. We will let you know how many you got right if you send us your email. And if you wish to add whether they actually live up to their missions as stated, we want to know that too. Include your views with your answers.