What does an organization's statement of fundamental belief refer to?

An organization's statement of fundamental belief is referred to as a creed. A creed serves as a formal declaration of the principles and values that guide the organization, reflecting its core beliefs and ideals. It often embodies the organization's foundational philosophy, providing a sense of identity and purpose to its members.

In contrast, a vision statement outlines the long-term aspirations of an organization, focusing on what it hopes to achieve in the future. Meanwhile, a mission statement describes the organization's current objectives and the practical steps it intends to take to achieve its vision. Bylaws are the governing rules that outline the structure and operational procedures of an organization but do not address fundamental beliefs directly. Thus, the creed is uniquely positioned as the embodiment of an organization’s core beliefs.