Enhancing Organization's Performance Through Effective Vision and Mission

Organizations, no matter their kinds, are established to serve specific societal needs. The success of an organization depends on its ability to direct the energies of its members in effectively serving these needs. The primary motive for the existence of any organization is often expressed in its mission. It is heartwarming that most Nigerian organizations (profit and non-profit alike) have mission statements conspicuously displayed in their front offices. However, the efficacies of these mission statements in securing the needed employees support and commitment have not being fully investigated within the Nigerian context. The authors used structured questionnaires to elicit required responses from respondents’ employees of various Nigerian organizations. It was affirmed that the statements of properly formulated and communicated missions are potent tools in the hands of management in unleashing employees’ commitment and improving organizational performance. It was recommended that Nigeria organizations should move beyond the use of mission statements as mere “slogans” and open up employees’ “eyes” to see how their daily tasks and roles as enshrined in the vision and mission can move the organization towards the attainment of its objectives.