Every organisation including educational institutions has a mission statement, which is an articulation to its customers, employees and the entire world of the purpose of its existence. A careful and well-planned mission has some benefits. A few of such benefits have been discusses as follows:
Barr (2000) and Martin (1982) explanation of a mission gives one of the benefits. They say, "a mission reveals where the institution came from, where it is heading, and how it plans to get there." p. 19. I would like to refer a mission as GPS that directs the institution to its desired destination. The exclusive purposes and values stated in the mission help its clientele to make prudent choices. In other words, for the institution to be successful, it has to have a clear and broad mission that resonates with the public and tells them why it would be beneficial to choose.
Besides, the mission represents the institution’s vision of how it would like to be seen by its clients (students and parents). Programs of the institution can easily be evaluated with a clear mission statement. These, and several others, are the reasons why mission statements are important for every organisation.
My concern lies in the fact that even though a mission statement is very important and serves as a guide for the development and expansion of every institution, why is it that a number of them fail to realize their objectives. For example, there has been secularization of most Christian institutions despite their well articulated mission statements. I think there are challenges that confront such institutions and make it difficult for the outlined objectives to be realized. I am glad to share with you some of the challenges and recommendations that will help decision makers particularly, student affair profession to overcome the academic turbulence.
First and foremost, competition makes authorities take some decisions to the detriment of the mission. Again, economic factors and lack of modern teaching/learning materials contribute to such constraints. Some faculty members are not dedicated to follow the values and several others.
There is a saying that you cut your coat according to the size of your cloth. Administrators should work within available resources in order not to ignore the intended purposes of the institution. Moreover, student affair professional should understand such mission statements and translate into academic programs. Values set out should be rigorously followed.
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What do you think it will happen if student affairs professionals serve students without the consideration of the mission statemen?.
ReplyDeleteYou have instigated an interesting discussion in your write up. The increasing incidence of secularization among christian schools, is such an example of a situation whereby, the mission statement is not in consonance with the practice of the school. However, the reason for this deviation is not far fetched. This christian schools are trying to survive financially. You may want to ask, why not change the mission statement, instead of the contradiction?
ReplyDeleteSylvester, I am glad that you mention competition as an atrophic detriment to the mission statement. You can have a Christian school with an enrollment that surpasses the normal curve, but your school is still a bit of misnomer. For instance, if you are a Christian university that has no control on misconducts or has not an established system for sexual harassment, I am wondering what pride you will have to tell others that you make it to the national rank.
ReplyDeleteSylvester,
ReplyDeleteYou have mentioned that every organization has a mission statement. I would say that every organization should have a mission statement. There are several organizations that operate without a written mission statement. I really like your blog. The pictures and videos are great!
Blessings!