For some companies, a mission statement is a nice addition to the waiting area, sort of like a piece of furniture. It is as if such companies have an open space on the wall and need something to fill it.
Unfortunately, there are many companies for whom the mission statement is a nice document for public relations and recruiting, and maybe even serves as some sort of a wish list. As such, it is merely a statement looking for a mission. At the same time, there are many companies that closely adhere to the principles in their mission statement, and they even base the evaluations of the employees on their ability to practice the principles expounded in it.
If you really want to understand the role and significance of a company's mission statement, the best place to look is at the topside leaders. When these leaders are truly committed to their mission statement, it becomes a guiding force for everyone in the organization. And, when their attitude toward it is somewhere in the neutral negative range, then the mission statement is little more than a wall hang.
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