Are mission statements worthless?

Question

Companies and families have them. But are they worth the paper they're written on?

Answer 1

Frankly, much of the time they are worthless - just something they spend a lot of time and money drawing up because they heard that every company should have one.

The purpose of developing a mission statement is basically to force the company higher-ups to figure out what their main purpose is and articulate it. Sometimes that even happens.

OK, I'm a cynic. So sue me. ;-}

Answer 2

Yes, it's gives customer a clear idea of what the company is providing.
It also allows for the company to set standards for their employees and business.