College/University Mission Statements are too long - Essay Example

Lengthy Mission ments Lengthy Mission ments In most instances, mission ments are too long and complex. In some instances, this is not justifiable while in others it is. Some universities have developed fragmented mission statements, which turn individuals off. In such instances, the mission statement encompasses massive repetition (Shilibekova, 2013). Specifically, some points may be attempting to say the same thing. In addition, while some mission statements may not explain the highest mission, others may subdivide it just to make the statement lengthy and complex.

This does not help because even the stakeholders may not know the exact mission that they are working towards (Matthews, 2007). These statements are too long in most cases and, as an opinion, ought to be revised and shortened to eliminate excessive data. Since mission statements encompass the overall working of an organization, when making these lengthy missions, individuals are attempting to explain everything in the statements. However, in some cases, it is justifiable to have a lengthy or even a non-specific mission statement (Ricard & Brown, 2008).

Such cases include when the overall organization is comprised of other various affiliated bodies such as research centers and the undergraduate schools. Here, each center must be represented on its own. To make it neat, it would be appropriate to divide the available data according to categories that are easily accessible to a reader (Murphy, 2001). At the same moment, a single sentence statement should be coined to encompass as much as possible data concerning the functionality of the organization.

Therefore, the mission statement should be shortened for improved convenience and better readability. ReferencesMatthews, J. R. (2007). Library assessment in higher education. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited.Murphy, T. J. (2001). A Catholic university: Vision and opportunities. Collegeville, Minn: Liturgical Press.Ricard, R. B., & Brown, M. C. (2008). Ebony towers in higher education: The evolution, mission, and presidency of historically black colleges and universities. Sterling, Va: Stylus Pub.

Shilibekova, A. (2013). Sitting on a Person Mission Statement at Harvard. Retrieved from http://www.topuniversities.com/blog/setting-personal-mission-statement-harvard