Evaluating national library mission statements in Ibero-America

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 274-293
Author(s):  
Ana Reyes Pacios ◽  
María Pilar Pérez-Piriz
Keyword(s):  
Mission Statement ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
National Library ◽  
Standard Pattern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Legacy ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Website Content ◽  
National Libraries ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the websites of 22 national libraries in Ibero-America to determine whether and how effectively they display these organisations’ mission statements, as well as any convergence/divergence among these texts. Design/methodology/approach A review was conducted of the national library websites of ABINIA’s 22 members to locate their respective mission statements. The statements identified were analysed and evaluated against the positioning and presence criteria and wording proposed by experts. Findings Website content clearly attests to national libraries’ eagerness to publicise their mission statements, which are readily accessible in most cases. Their functions are represented to a more or less standard pattern. Most are portrayed as institutions responsible for custodying, enriching, preserving and disseminating their countries’ cultural legacy. Other purposes mentioned include the promulgation of and accessibility to the heritage custodied. Practical implications The paper may prove useful for professional librarians involved in drafting or revising their organisation’s mission statement in the wake of changing circumstances or on the occasion of the formulation of a new strategic plan. Originality/value Of the very short number of analyses of libraries’ mission statements published to date, none discusses national libraries. This is the very first study of national library mission statement in Ibero-America. It forms part of a line of research dealing with national library mission statements defined and available on institutional websites for countries anywhere in the world.

National Libraries and Their Websites

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Pisanski ◽  
Maja Žumer
Keyword(s):  
Performance Evaluation ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Library Services ◽  
National Library ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
National Libraries

After long years of relatively passive behaviour, national libraries have reinvented themselves as user- friendly institutions, whose websites should play an important role in reaching a whole new audience. This article is based on the authors' findings of an evaluation of several European national library websites. While the survey showed that these websites are relatively good, there are still some minor points that need to be addressed. Several concepts and problems regarding national libraries and websites are discussed, in the light of usability and efficiency of library services. Particular emphasis is given to the problem of mission statements being reflected in a library's website. The marketing potential of websites is discussed in the light of the increasing accountability of national libraries and library performance evaluation. A variety of guidelines concerning websites in general and national library websites in particular is presented and the reasoning behind the inclusion of several key content-related elements of websites is also offered.

Leveraging the organizational mission statement to communicate identity, distinctiveness and purpose to primary and secondary stakeholders during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorelei Ortiz
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Strategic Communication ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Organizational Mission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Core Mission ◽  
Keyword Searches

PurposeThis study examines comprehensiveness and responsiveness of mission statements for the top 100 retailers on the 2020 National Retailers Federation list in order to (1) evaluate how effectively they communicate organizational identity, values and purpose, (2) underscore a distinctive commitment to stakeholders and (3) what extent these efforts are reflected in revised mission statements or addenda to meet global pandemic challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a 4-question metric to measure comprehensiveness and a two-pronged qualitative method of analysis consisting of keyword searches followed by content analysis.FindingsRetailer statements are considerably comprehensive in describing purpose and audience yet very few articulate stakeholder value, differentiate themselves as distinctive or substantively reaffirm their core mission and values. Retailers seem more invested in strategic communication around diversity, equity and inclusion, based on web content in their consumer, job seeker and investor touchpoints.Research limitations/implicationsCoding and interpreting language through content analysis methods may introduce some level of subjectivity, particularly when dealing with unstructured data. Implications for how organizations acclimated in order to survive and thrive, while maintaining focus on stakeholders and strategy. Examining organizational mission statements and their contexts yields perspective into how organizations define themselves and what they do during times of crisis.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the content, structure and functions of the statements against a specific comprehensiveness metric and reveals patterns about the texts and their contexts during a pandemic and strong cultural and societal movements.

Beyond metrics

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 306-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber N. Welch ◽  
Krystal Wyatt-Baxter
Keyword(s):  
Human Ecology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assessment Plans ◽  
History Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to developing a makerspace assessment plan. This approach focuses on connecting organizational and service point mission statements with outcome-based assessment plan goals, strategies, methods, and success measures. Design/methodology/approach This paper will outline the steps taken by an academic research library to design an outcomes-based assessment plan that monitors the human ecology of a makerspace. The paper includes a history of the space, the role of the library within the campus makerspace environment, the connection between mission statements and assessment plans, and how that connection can facilitate and drive space and service design. Findings Designing assessment plans that are centered on a makerspace mission statement can ensure that progress toward fulfilling the mission, values, and goals of the space is constantly monitored. Originality/value Academic library makerspace assessment literature is still in its infancy. This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on academic library makerspace management and stewardship.

Commonplace and common language: Kentucky's district mission statements

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-340
Author(s):  
W. Kyle Ingle ◽  
Terra Greenwell ◽  
Justin Woods
Keyword(s):  
State Policy ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sequential Procedures ◽  
And Mathematics

PurposeWe sought to identify codes and themes in the mission statements of Kentucky's school districts and examine the relationship between district characteristics and the mission statements.Design/methodology/approachWe undertook a mixed methods design, specifically, a sequential transformative strategy with a theoretical lens overlaying the sequential procedures and guiding the analysis.FindingsAnalysis revealed a range of 1–7 codes per mission statement and a mean of 3.05. Generic student success and individual attention represented the most frequently occurring codes in the mission statements. Chi-square tests of bivariate association yielded no significant differences between districts by locale. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the percentage of students in the district scoring proficient or distinguished in both reading and mathematics was associated significantly (p < 0.05) with the theme of student support.Research limitationsAlthough we cannot establish causation between mission statements content and student outcomes or vice-versa, district mission statement remain a visible and public expression of why an organization exists that should guide actions and decision-making, whether instructional, financial or otherwise.Practical implicationsOur study revealed shared institutional language within mission statements across Kentucky's school district, largely without regard to local context. Our analysis suggests that federal and state policy makers are influencing mission statements more so than those at the local level.Originality/valueOur analysis provides further evidence that suggests that federal and state policy makers are influencing mission statements more so than those at the local level.

Building multilevel governance and partnerships: an evaluation approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihong Li ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Dong Liang ◽  
Tenpao Lee
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Multilevel Governance ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Strategic Partnership ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Approach ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper aims to develop a framework to facilitate the evaluation of the complexities of working in multi-level governance and partnership and to assess the extent to which collaboration adds value in terms of both process and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies the fuzzy analysis hierarchy process (FAHP) to the design of an evaluation framework for partnerships and uses data from a questionnaire survey in Wuhan, China, to validate the framework. Findings The paper finds that the effectiveness of multi-level governance and partnerships is primarily determined by such factors as clarity of framework for partnership, consensus on mission statement of strategic partnership, mechanisms for joint initiation and implementation of projects and removal of barriers to flow of resources. Practical implications The paper shows that policymakers need to adopt an evaluation approach to improve the effectiveness of multi-level governance and partnerships. Originality/value The paper provides a framework for building multi-level governance and partnerships in the Chinese context.

scholarly journals Objectives of Islamic banks: a missive from mission statements and stakeholders’ perceptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishfaq Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Musarrat Nawaz ◽  
Rizwan Qaisar Danish ◽  
Ahmad Usman ◽  
Muhammad Zeeshan Shaukat
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Flow ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
Conventional Banks

Purpose It is believed that the core aim of Islamic institution is idiosyncratic from conventional business entities. Considering this presumption, this study aims to reveal the understandings of various stakeholders about objectives of Islamic banks. Design/methodology/approach The research endeavor is based on the findings of two distinctive studies, where Study 1 was aimed at investigating the communication of objectives through mission statements of Islamic banks and conventional banks with window operations. Here, mission statements were analyzed using content analysis and readability and understandability tests. Study 2, on the other hand, was aimed at investigating the understandings of various stakeholders, both internal (employees) and external (Muslim and non-Muslim customers of both Islamic and conventional banks, employees and management of conventional banks and business students). In total, 370 responses were received and analyzed in this study. Findings The findings (Study 1) unveil, the fact, that the mission statements of Islamic banks working in Pakistan are not good at communicating the corporate goals clearly. Out of ten banks investigated for Study 1, it is evident that only one bank (HBL, with window operations) was at par with readability threshold standards. Thus, it was imperative to share that mission statements of Islamic banks are difficult to read and comprehend. Study 2 adds further by revealing that most of the stakeholders are not clear about the objectives of these banks, while customers of conventional banks do not value the distinctive objectives of Islamic banks. Research limitations/implications This study leaves a valuable message for the policy makers and top management of Islamic banks by focusing on the unattended part on their end, i.e. quality of mission statements and stakeholders’ perception about the objectives of their organization, thus highlighting the needs of greater emphasis on the communication flow to stakeholders, as the clarity of business purpose may change the way customers react toward the business and opt for banking – customer relation in future. Originality/value This study covers a multi-dimensional investigation of the understanding and communication of objectives of Islamic banks. There is dearth of literature focusing on the aspects of content analysis, mission statement readability and understandability and investigation of stakeholders’ perception in tandem.

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship between Australian university websites and international student enrolments

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1527-1557
Author(s):  
Nirma Sadamali Jayawardena ◽  
Mitchell Ross ◽  
Debra Grace
Keyword(s):  
International Student ◽  
Destination Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
University Websites ◽  
The University ◽  
Website Content ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Australian Universities

PurposeThis paper focuses on exploring the relationship between Australian university websites and international student enrolments. Few studies have investigated this relationship and, as such, this research addresses some of the existing knowledge gaps.Design/methodology/approachA mono-method qualitative methodology was adopted for this study. Primary data collection was through the website content of selected Australian universities. Six Australian universities were selected; three universities with positive international student enrolments and three universities with negative international student enrolments. The website content of the selected six universities was analysed using the dimensions of the ICTRT framework (Li and Wang, 2011) to evaluate website effectiveness. The study results were based on two analysis levels, an overall thematic analysis (level 1) and an ICTRT framework-based analysis (level 2). The thematic analysis, based on the major themes and concepts, was conducted using Leximancer 4.5.FindingsTwo major findings emerged. First, the websites of universities with positive international student enrolments tend to be more people focused whereas websites from universities with negative international student enrolments tend to be technology or system focused. Second, websites from universities with positive international student enrolments tend to be more visionary or forward focused whereas websites from universities with negative international student enrolments tend to be more backward focused. Additionally, the study findings indicate some important website marketing strategies for Australian universities with negative international student enrolments.Research limitations/implicationsThis study used ICTRT framework to evaluate the websites of Australian universities. Li and Wang (2011) proposed this framework for evaluating websites. Hotel, travel agency and destination marketing organisation websites have been assessed using the ICTRT framework (Li and Wang, 2011; Pai et al., 2014; Sun et al., 2017). This model has not previously been used, however, to evaluate tertiary education websites. This study is among the first to examine the university websites using a theoretical framework employed in destination marketing organisations which is a major theoretical contribution.Practical implicationsThe major findings indicate that the website attributes, which are future focused and people oriented, are necessary for university websites with negative international student enrolments. Similar to university websites with positive international student enrolments, university websites with negative international student enrolments should also provide more contact details of staff members, should be more people oriented and should provide information focused on future students rather than past and current students. These practical implications are useful for administrative bodies in Australian universities for increasing international student enrolments.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the university websites using a theoretical framework used in destination marketing organizations which is a major theoretical contribution. For example, this study has provided an illustrative example of how a research model of destination marketing organizations will be used in the universities or higher education context.

scholarly journals Mission statements: what university research parks tell us about timing

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 46-53
Author(s):  
Inés Alegre ◽  
Jasmina Berbegal-Mirabent ◽  
Adrian Guerrero
Keyword(s):  
Mission Statement ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
University Research ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Research Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategy Versus ◽  
Research Parks ◽  
The Difference

Purpose Mission statements are a key element of any organization. Ideally, the mission statement should be written at the initial stages of an organization’s life to be a useful tool to guide future organization’s decisions and strategy. However, at the early stages of an organization’s life, the organization might still be under development with the objective and stakeholders not yet well-defined, and therefore, stating the mission so early on, might neglect some important elements. In this paper, the authors explore the difference in mission statement quality between missions that have been created at the birth stage of an organization versus missions that are just explicitly formulated once the organization is already well-established and an underlying implicit mission already exists. The authors use as an empirical setting university research parks. Design/methodology/approach The authors evaluate mission statement quality using content analysis. The authors then test the differences on mission statement quality between two groups of research parks, those that have followed a creation strategy versus those that have followed a formulation strategy, using mean of differences test. Findings The authors find that a formulation strategy produces more complete mission statements than the creation strategy. Research parks that have followed a formulation strategy include in their mission statements more references to relevant stakeholders, such as investors, than parks following a creation strategy with respect to their mission statement. Research limitations/implications The research setting is Spanish Science Parks. This research setting is appropriate to answer the research question, as two Park creation strategies, planned and unplanned, allow the researchers to clearly differentiate between two mission conception strategies. However, the sample size is rather small. Practical implications Research has shown that a well-defined mission helps organizations focus and strategy formulation. The authors’ research offers some guidance on how to achieve a high-quality mission statement which will, in turn, help organizations have a better definition of their purpose. Originality/value Research until now has assumed that the mission statement should be formulated at the initial stages of the organization’s life. The authors’ research shows that defining the mission statement later in the process creates higher-quality mission statements that better reflect the organizations purpose and relevant stakeholders.

scholarly journals The transparency of CSUC member university libraries

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 558-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Rey Martin ◽  
Concepción Rodriguez Parada ◽  
Enric Camón Luis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Public Money ◽  
University Services ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the level of transparency of the libraries of Catalan universities that are members of the Consortium of University Services of Catalonia (CSUC). Design/methodology/approach The analysis involved reviewing the information available on the websites of the ten libraries belonging to CSUC. For each library’s website, the presence of 18 indicators was explored. These indicators had been defined by the Commitment and Transparency Foundation (Spain). Findings There is a notable difference between the level of transparency of Catalan universities and their libraries. Moreover, the universities’ culture of transparency is not reflected in that of the libraries. Four of the libraries can be considered transparent because they have accomplished from 12 to 18 indicators; three can be considered “translucent”, due to their indicators ranging from 11 to 7 points; and three are considered opaque as a result of obtaining from 1 to 5 indicators. Practical implications There is a need to review the volume and quality of information that can be consulted on library websites, considering that all services and entities funded with public money must inform citizens of the principles that govern their management and the results obtained. Originality/value The information regarding transparency is incomplete and should be organised with parameters that make it easier to find. Libraries that occupy the lowest positions in the ranking all belong to private universities. Their poor results are due to the lack of information justifying their management or providing information on how the service is organised. Some conclusions of this study are very similar to those of the study on Madrid’s Madroño Consortium (Pacios Lozano, 2016) which has been taken into account in this paper.

Linking college mission statements to cost containment strategies

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 792-804
Author(s):  
Jessica K. Simon ◽  
Megan McDonald Way ◽  
Lidija Polutnik ◽  
Jeremy Albright
Keyword(s):  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Cost Containment ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Mission Statement ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Mission Statements ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Plans ◽  
The Usa

Purpose Leaders at higher education institutions (HEIs) in the USA experience substantial pressure to contain costs while advancing their educational missions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between publicly stated academic cost-containment objectives found in HEI’s strategic plans and mission statements, which help to unify stakeholders and link strategy to an organization’s purpose. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyzes mission statements and strategic plans of 57 small, private HEIs in the Northeastern USA. HEIs in this sample published strategic plans with an explicit cost-containment goal. Mission statements were analyzed for readability. Thematic analysis was conducted using the balanced scorecard approach. Associations between a stated academic cost containment goal and mission statement themes are presented using logistic regression. Findings Mission statements of HEIs focused on academic cost containment are wordier and more varied. They tend not to mention “liberal arts,” a potential signal of a high-quality, high-cost school; less selective schools may be more likely to emphasize academic cost cutting. Research limitations/implications This paper contributes to the literature demonstrating mission statements’ role in goal setting. Further, it considers college costs from college administrators’ perspectives. Given the small sample size, future work should expand the sample and use case studies to explore how mission shapes or constrains strategic objectives. Originality/value This is the first paper using qualitative and quantitative analysis to explore the association between the mission statements of small HEIs and academic cost containment goals in strategic plans, documents intended to support differentiation in a crowded market.

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