Which of the following elements is NOT part of a mission statement?

A mission statement typically encompasses the purpose and values of an organization and outlines its scope of work. The elements that are generally included in a mission statement are who the organization is, why it exists (its purpose), and what it aims to achieve.

The "who" identifies the target audience or stakeholders, "why" addresses the mission's core reason for being, and "what" describes the services or products offered or the goals of the organization. However, "how" is not considered an integral part of a mission statement. While it can be relevant in broader strategic planning or operational contexts, specifying "how" the organization will achieve its mission introduces methods and processes rather than focusing on the mission itself.

Therefore, the correct answer is the element that refers to "how," as it does not belong in the fundamental definition of a mission statement.