DEVELOPING SCHOOL CULTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATIONAL REFORM:  A THEORETICAL APPROACH FROM ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY   AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVES FROM GENERAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Nguyen Thi Yen Phuong; Duong Thi Thoan; Vu Thi Quynh

Nguyen Thi Yen Phuong	nguyenyenphuong@gmail.com	VNU University of Education, Vietnam National University Hanoi 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Vu Thi Quynh*	vtquynh@daihocthudo.edu.vn	HaNoi Metropolitan University 98 Duong Quang Ham, Nghia Do ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Duong Thi Thoan	thoan.hd@gmail.com	Hong Duc University 565 Quang Trung 3, Hac Thanh ward, Thanh Hoa province, Vietnam

Summary:

School culture is a strategic factor in the reform of general education in Vietnam, yet gaps remain in theoretical foundations and systematic procedures. Many institutions still lack clear orientation, leadership has not been fully exercised, and cultural identity remains underdeveloped. This study, grounded in organizational theory and school management practice, examines the role, purposes, and correlations between the process of school culture development and key management domains, including human resources, academic affairs, the school environment, community engagement, and sustainability. A mixed-methods design was employed: Quantitative data were collected from 329 questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 26 through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression; qualitative data were obtained through 30 semi-structured interviews and field observations. Findings reveal that most administrators, teachers, and staff recognize the strategic importance of school culture. The five-step process of cultural development shows strong associations with management effectiveness, with leadership exerting the most significant impact on human resource and academic management. The study concludes that school culture functions as a strategic lever for building positive pedagogical environments, enhancing educational quality, and shaping the unique identity of each institution.

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Keywords:

School culture

school governance

educational quality

general education.

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Journal:

No. 2, December 2025

VIETNAM JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

THE VIETNAM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

DEVELOPING SCHOOL CULTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATIONAL REFORM: A THEORETICAL APPROACH FROM ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY AND PRACTICAL PERSPECTIVES FROM GENERAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS