The Purpose of University Value Statements

Abstract

In light of the growing promotion of value statements by universities, this chapter sets out to explore why such institutions explicitly and publically set out their values. Based upon an empirical study of English universities it will propose explanations as to why the trend has developed and what function these statements serve. Overarching themes which are evident across the corpus of value statements suggest that there are similarities between universities' positions; while other patterns can also be identified amongst groupings of institution-type (e.g. Russell Group universities). These themes and patterns are used to exemplify broad sector-wide and alternately more specific explanations as to the adoption and proliferation of value statements in England.