HR Mission Statement

Unit I Assignment: HR Mission Statement

Columbia Southern University

Unit I Assignment: HR Mission Statement

Part One:

Compare and contrast the three Sample Mission Statements below. Evaluate them for overall effectiveness addressing what is strong, weak, effective, or ineffective and state your reasons.

Our mission is to treat each person as a valued customer while contributing positively to the bottom line of [Company Name] through comprehensive programming that displays a thorough understanding of all aspects of the human resources profession, including proactive involvement in areas of legal compliance and service that displays an enthusiastic interest in the lives of others. We will continually develop our own repertoire of skills and maintain a balance between our personal and professional lives.

I think this statement is weak and very vague. The first sentience suggests that everyone, including employees, are customers. I was confused immediately. It also suggests the “bottom line” is very important in the same sentence that is trying to focus on customer service…another confusing message. Also, the first sentence is the exact opposite of short, clear, concise, and brief. It has 57 words and runs on forever. The message is unclear throughout and is very difficult to understand. Overall, it is poorly written and ineffective.

The mission of [Company Name] is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and company spirit. To our employees: We are committed to provide our employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of [the company]. Above all, employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every [company] customer.

I was far more impressed with this statement than the first one. The first sentence grabbed my attention and I was able to understand exactly what the writer wanted the employees to do. The opening of the second sentence directed me exactly where I needed to be; it helped me understand that the next sentence was designed with the employees in mind. This sentence was brief, but it let me know that the employees would be working in a healthy work environment. The third sentence established a goal or a challenge for the employees; I like this because it gives direction. The last sentence sets a standard of excellence and professionalism that I personally would like to be involved with. I think this statement is written very well and has an extremely high level of effectiveness.

It is the mission of the human resources department to provide the following quality services to the employees of [Company Name]: recruitment of qualified individuals; retention of valuable employees; training, development, and education to promote individual success and increase overall value to the organization; a safe and healthful working environment; inspiration and encouragement for a high level of employee morale through recognition, effective communication, and constant feedback; and resources for administering benefits, policies, and procedures.

These services are achieved through a teamwork philosophy that is inspired through effective organizational skills, proactive efforts, and maintenance of a balance between professionalism and the ability to have fun!

This statement wasn’t written very well in my opinion. I disliked the bullet format and the immediate impression I got was that of a subordinate Army cadet. I feel like the writer of this statement is very professional, but clearly has a background in the military. As a military retiree, I can tell you that there is nothing wrong with leading with an Iron fist, IF the appropriate situation arises, but maybe the mission statement isn’t that situation. The attempt to promote fun at the end was very confusing. I understand the idea, but at that point it was too late for that approach. This statement does give good direction and sets written attainable directives, but I feel like it is weak and not very affective overall.

Part Two:

Use your analysis to write your own HR mission statement for your fictional company. Consider the following questions when evaluating and formulating your mission statement. Keep in mind that good mission statements are short, clear, concise, & brief hard-hitting comments on your mission. Why does your HR function exist? What do you want for your customers and how can HR provide that? Who are your customers and what can you do for them that will enrich their lives and contribute to their success, both present and future? What image of your function do you want to convey internally and externally? Customers, employees and the public will all have perceptions of your company. How will HR help create the desired picture? What level of service do you provide to employees and the company? Don’t be vague; define what will make your service extraordinary. What kind of relationships will your HR function maintain with customers? Every company function is in partnership with its customers. When you succeed, so do they. What underlying philosophies or values guided your responses to the previous questions? Some mission statements choose to list these separately (as core values or vision). Writing them down clarifies the “why” behind your mission. Does your HR function’s mission statement describe and support what your company will do and why it will do it (the company’s core values)?

The company I have created is called Four Oaks. The company is an environmental protection company that is the leading environmental mishap company in America. The company is built to respond to and mitigate environmental disasters on the largest of scales.

Mission Statement

The mission of Four Oaks is dedication to the highest quality of customer service delivered with a sense of intelligence, effectiveness, urgency, and integrity. When our customers call, it’s not because they want our help, it’s because they need our help; through hard work and motivation, we will always be there for them! Four Oaks is committed to creating a cohesive family of employees that are committed to our customers and each other at all times. As the top environmental spills clean-up team in America, Four Oaks sets the standard for quick response times and unparalleled expertise in the area of environmental protection. Our team will stay dedicated to the mission and each other, and will always provide the best customer service in America!

I find it very difficult to get my points from thought to paper without dragging on. I’m trying very hard to stay brief, but I fear my message is unclear. My goal is to create a family rather than just a group of workers. I want all of my employees to be committed to teamwork and to be dedicated to excellence on the job and at home with their families. Through positive feedback, I hope my employees understand my dedication to them and their families, and reciprocate this feeling (Stewart, 2015). By creating an environment of total excellence, my hope is that excellent customer service will be the result. I’m obviously new to this, but as the course goes on my hope is that this mission statement will evolve as I do. Thanks!

References

Stewart, Greg L. (2015). Human Resource Management. Linking Strategy to Practice. Third Edition. Hoboken, NJ. John Wiley & Sons Inc.