The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which the vision and

mission statements are communicated and used within Pascual M. Osuyos

Memorial High School as part of its decision making processes, especially by
the principal of these school.

dams, Robert M. Secondary school vision and mission statements :

how do principals use this to enhance school objectives and
outcomes?.
Degree: MBA, 2012, Stellenbosch University
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95679
Vision and mission statements are believed to play an important role in
organisations in their quest to provide clear and concise guidance to their ambitions
and purpose. This is especially true for not-for profit organisations as they do not
have a bottom-line to drive performances and other strategic decisions. Although
several studies have been conducted on the effect of
effective vision andmission statements on organisations, there is no evidence of a
study having been conducted on secondary schools in the Helderberg area, to the
best of the researchers knowledge. The aim of this study was to explore the extent
to which the vision and mission statements are communicated and used within the
two secondary schools as part of their decision making processes, especially by the
principals of these schools. In order to sufficiently address the implementation,
communication and integration of the vision and mission statements in the
secondary schools, the following research questions were formulated: What is the
level to which the schools mission and vision statements are used by its principals
to guide decision-making processes and the setting of goals and ambitions? How
well are the schools mission and vision statements communicated to and
understood by its stakeholders? How to properly create and integrate the
schools vision andmission statements in order to ensure improved and sustainable
academic performances This study explores the levels of communication of
the vision and mission statements most notably by the principals to the rest of the
schools stakeholders and the integration of these statements into the daily decision
making processes. Furthermore, the study investigates the review process of these
statements and whether the principals embody the values and visions of their
respective schools. From the analysis of the findings, it was clear that these
statements are still largely unknown within the two schools, as only 54% of the

correspondents have ever seen these statements. The views were varied about
whether principals have communicated the vision and mission statements to the
stakeholders of the schools. According to Sherman (2001: 24) the ability to clearly
and concisely communicate the vision and mission of the organisation is a critical
characteristic of leadership. The study also concluded that the statements appeared
to not have been fully understood, embodied and communicated by both the
principals interviewed. The lack of a clear strategy and the focus on solving crisis
issues at the schools were evident during the interviews with both principals. This
research findings were analysed, concluded and recommendations made on the
factors that could assist the establishment, communication and integration of
the vision and mission statements within secondary schools within the Helderberg
area. Advisors/Committee Members: Heystek, Jan.

Subjects/Keywords: Business management