What is the term for a clear plan that defines why an organization is in business and how it plans to remain viable in the future?

The term that best describes a clear plan defining why an organization is in business and how it plans to remain viable in the future is "strategic plan." A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for the organization, outlining its long-term goals, objectives, and the strategies it will use to achieve them. This type of plan typically considers internal and external factors that could impact the organization's success, helping to ensure that it remains aligned with its mission and responsive to changes in its environment.

Unlike a mission statement, which primarily articulates the organization's purpose and core values, a strategic plan goes further by detailing actionable steps, resource allocation, and timelines necessary to achieve defined goals. Thus, it provides a comprehensive framework for decision-making and prepares the organization for future challenges and opportunities.

In contrast, an organizational chart is a visual representation of the company's structure, showing roles and relationships. A mission statement is focused on the organization's fundamental purpose. A future plan is vague and does not comprehensively encapsulate the structured approach necessary for long-term organizational viability as a strategic plan does.