Which of the following is NOT a key element of a mission statement?

A mission statement articulates the fundamental purpose and direction of an organization. It serves to define what the organization does, its core values, and its ultimate goals. The essential elements of a mission statement typically include values, core business activities, and organizational purpose.

Values reflect the ethical foundation and guiding principles that influence decision-making and behavior within the organization. Core business activities establish the primary areas in which the organization competes and operates, while organizational purpose communicates the reason for the organization's existence and its intended impact on stakeholders.

Financial projections, on the other hand, are more analytical and forward-looking, focusing on numerical forecasts, budgeting, and financial performance. They do not form part of a mission statement because the mission's focus is on defining the existential aspect of an organization rather than projecting financial outcomes. Thus, financial projections do not contribute to the fundamental understanding of what the organization stands for or aims to achieve in terms of its mission.