Final answer:
An organization's mission statement defines its purpose and objectives, different from a vision statement, which focuses on future goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An organization's mission statement is a concise declaration of the entity's core purpose and focus that informs the audience about what the organization aims to do and why it exists. Unlike a vision statement, which outlines the desired future position of the company, a mission statement tends to be more concrete and present-focused. The mission statement should be clear and brief enough for stakeholders to easily remember; however, it's not necessarily designed to be 'short enough to fit on a T-shirt.' While some may confuse mission statements with vision statements, the two serve different purposes: a mission statement outlines the current operational objectives of an organization, while a vision statement focuses on its aspirations and ultimate goals.