What planning tool communicates the organization's purpose?

The mission statement is the planning tool that communicates the organization's purpose. It encapsulates the core objective of the organization, outlining why it exists and what it aims to achieve. A well-crafted mission statement is concise and clear, providing guidance for decision-making and aligning the efforts of the organization's members towards common goals.

In contrast, a strategic plan typically focuses on how the organization will achieve its goals over the long term, detailing specific actions and resource allocations. The vision statement describes what the organization aspires to become in the future, offering an ideal picture rather than detailing current purposes. An operational plan is more tactical, focusing on the day-to-day activities that help to implement the strategic goals, rather than highlighting the overarching reasons for the organization's existence. Thus, while all these tools are essential in the planning process, the mission statement specifically serves to articulate the fundamental purpose of the organization.