päämääräpäätös

päämääräpäätös is a Finnish term that refers to a formal decision made by an organisation—typically by a board of directors or a governing body—to establish clear goals and objectives that guide its future actions. The decision outlines what the organisation intends to achieve, often with specific, measurable targets and a defined time frame. Unlike general resolutions that focus on routine governance issues, a päämääräpäätös is strategic in nature; it provides the direction for planning, budgeting, and performance evaluation.

The process generally begins with a review of the organisation’s current state, market conditions, and internal capabilities. Stakeholders may contribute through workshops or consultations to formulate strategic priorities. Once proposed, the board discusses and refines the goals, ensuring they are realistic, aligned with the mission, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements. The final decision is then documented in the minutes of the meeting and often incorporated into the annual strategic plan.

Legally, the decision must be recorded in the company’s statutory documents and can affect duty of care responsibilities of board members. In corporate law, a clear päämääräpäätös can protect directors by demonstrating intent and a structured approach to goal-setting. In public institutions, it helps maintain accountability to citizens and funding bodies.

Typical examples include a technology company deciding to increase market share by 10 % within two years, or a university committing to double its international student enrolment. By articulating specific targets, a päämääräpäätös serves as a benchmark against which progress is measured and informs resource allocation, risk management, and long‑term sustainability strategies.