Final answer:
Without a clear mission statement, a company lacks strategic direction, which is imperative for setting and pursuing long-term goals and aligning the workforce and operations with the company's objectives.
Option 'b' is the correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tyler, as the new CEO of a failing software company, is correct in seeking the company's mission statement, as it serves as a foundation for establishing the company's strategic direction.
Without a mission statement, a company often struggles to have a cohesive plan that aligns the organization’s actions with its objectives.
This clarity is essential for employees, stakeholders, and customers to understand what the company stands for and where it intends to go, thus guiding decision-making processes at all levels.
Without it, the company could miss out on creating integrated supply chain alliances, developing functional strategic partnerships, and ensuring customer delight. However, among the choices provided, the lack of a mission statement most directly results in a lack of strategic direction, hindering the company’s ability to set and pursue its long-term goals effectively.