The Meaning of Mission Statements to School Practice and Professional Development: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

While mission statements (MSs) are included in schools often due to governing policy, evidence suggests they remain underutilized by leaders. Scant research is undertaken with regard to school mission statements and how these affects daily practice. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the extent to which school MSs influence daily practice, as well as professional development for school leaders and teachers. This study draws upon interviews with six individuals who lead or teach at two different international schools. The findings provide valuable insight into how MSs are experienced by leaders and teachers. The paper concludes with a discussion around the potential implications for policy makers and school leaders who wish to shape school culture and professional development.

A Mission Statement Does Not a Mission Make:A Mixed Methods Investigation in Public Education

“…Knowing a mission statement can make it motivational (Bartkus et al, 2000). Like the current study, other authors found graduate students in educational administration programs did not know the mission statement, and both studies stated there was still a benefit from mission statements (Gurley et al 2015;Watkins & McCaw, 2007).Another small study (N = 6) in the Philippines found similar results: Though many participants did not know the mission statement of one's school, there was a known-unknown (Ransom &Vlachopoulos, 2021). The current study deviated because it did not make the unsubstantiated claim unknown mission statements were important and should be taught more.…”

A Mission Statement Does Not a Mission Make: A Mixed Methods Investigation in Public Education

“…Like the current study, other authors found graduate students in educational administration programs did not know the mission statement, and both studies stated there was still a benefit from mission statements (Gurley et al 2015;Watkins & McCaw, 2007). Another small study (N = 6) in the Philippines found similar results: Though many participants did not know the mission statement of one's school, there was a known-unknown (Ransom & Vlachopoulos, 2021). The current study deviated because it did not make the unsubstantiated claim unknown mission statements were important and should be taught more.…”