What are the five elements required in a mission statement?

A mission statement effectively communicates the purpose and primary objectives of an organization. It serves as a guiding light for decision-making and strategic planning. The five elements identified in option B—who, what, when, where, and why—align with the fundamental aspects that need to be addressed for a complete mission statement.

• "Who" refers to the target audience or constituents the organization serves. This can include stakeholders, customers, or the community at large.

• "What" defines the specific activities or services the organization provides. It captures the essence of the organization's operations.

• "When" denotes the timeframe for the mission's application or the urgency of the organization's actions. While not every mission statement needs a temporal element, including it can clarify commitment.

• "Where" indicates the geographical scope of the organization's operations and influence, which is crucial for contextualizing its mission.

• "Why" captures the underlying purpose or motivation behind the organization’s existence, highlighting what drives its efforts and aspirations.

Including all five elements ensures that the mission statement is comprehensive, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of the organization’s identity, objectives, and rationale behind its functions. This clarity is crucial for aligning both internal and external perceptions of the organization’s goals and aspirations.