What is usually developed after the vision statement in the strategic planning process?

In the strategic planning process, the development of a mission statement typically follows the establishment of a vision statement. The vision statement articulates the long-term aspirations of the organization, describing what it aims to achieve in the future. In contrast, the mission statement focuses on the present and outlines the organization’s purpose, the value it provides, and its core activities.

The mission statement serves to bridge the vision and the specific strategic actions the organization will undertake. It establishes the foundational rationale for the organization’s existence and guides decision-making and strategic initiatives. While annual goals, action plans, and performance metrics are also important components of strategic planning, they generally derive from or align with the mission statement, which clarifies the organization’s intent and operational focus. Thus, the correct sequence in the strategic planning process post-vision involves articulating the mission that encapsulates the organization's purpose and identity.