When you find information on the web, it is very important to carefully evaluate what you read. Remember, anybody can put anything online! Ask yourself these questions:
- Currency: Is the site current? Is it possible to tell how recently it was updated?
- Authority: Who is the author? Is this a person or organization that you know you can trust?
- Content: Is there a lot or just a little information on the site? Who is the intended audience (customers, employees, shareholders, etc)?
- Accuracy: Do you see any warning signs such as unprofessional style or information that seems unlikely to be true?
- Objectivity: Is this site trying to sell you something? Is there a point of view or bias that you should keep in mind while you read? What does the url (web address) tell you about the site?
Pros: Easy to find with Google, very relevant information, may have rich content (annual report, mission statement, etc.)
Cons: May have very little useful content, purpose of site is positive PR for company so info is NOT objective
Bottom line: Check your company's website but keep in mind that it's just one side of the story!
What if I can't find my company's mission or objectives on their website? Companies are not required to share this information with the public. So if you have searched all the "about us" and "for investors" links and cannot find the information you need, it probably means that it isn't there. Try doing a search in ProQuest or Business Source complete with your company name in one search box and "mission statement" in another. This might help you indirectly find the information you're looking for.