What distinguishes a vision statement from a mission statement?

A vision statement distinctly captures a company's future aspirations and conveys what it aims to achieve in the long term. It serves as a guide for the organization's strategic direction, inspiring and motivating employees and stakeholders by articulating a clear picture of the desired future state. By defining future goals, a vision statement helps align efforts and resources toward achieving those objectives, ultimately reflecting the organization’s ambitions and values over time.

In contrast, a mission statement is oriented around the present, outlining the organization's core purpose, the products or services it offers, and the values that guide its operations. It typically focuses on the current role of the company and explains how it serves its customers and the community. This fundamental difference underscores why the concept of future goals is central to a vision statement, making option C the most accurate characterization of what distinguishes the two types of statements.