Bridging the Mission–Implementation Gap: Evidence from a Public Law University in Vietnam

Abstract

Mission, vision, educational philosophy, and core values (MVPG) are important components of strategic governance in higher education institutions. However, many universities encounter challenges in translating these institutional commitments into governance practices. This study examines the MVPG operationalisation at a public specialized law university in Vietnam (hereafter referred to as the Law University). A qualitative case study design was employed using documentary analysis of six external evaluation reports and the university’s strategic development plan, spanning from 2018 to 2025. The findings reveal several implementation gaps, including the absence of a formalised educational philosophy, limited governance mechanisms for monitoring MVPG implementation, insufficient integration of MVPG into performance measurement systems, and challenges in evidence-based accountability. Thereby, a Four-Pillar Governance Framework comprising institutionalisation, strategic alignment, quality assurance integration, and accountability is proposed. The study demonstrates how institutional statements can function as governance instruments rather than merely symbolic declarations and provides practical implications for strengthening strategic coherence, quality assurance, and accountability in higher education institutions.