A Global Perspective
Founded in 1926, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) was the UK’s largest manufacturer for much of the twentieth century. It no longer exists. Of course, there are many and complex reasons for the decline of great companies in general and Britain’s manufacturing sector specifically, but there is one aspect of ICI’s death that provides a wider lesson.
Organisations are defined by their sense of purpose - sometimes this is explicitly stated in a mission statement; sometimes it is felt, but unsaid. Mission statements can be widely known to the public or they may just be internal documents. ICI’s original mission statement was to be 'the world's leading chemical company, serving companies internationally through the innovative and responsible application of chemistry and related science. Through achievement of this aim, we will enhance the wealth and wellbeing of our shareholders, our employees, our customers and the communities which we serve and in which we operate.'It aimed first to be excellent at what it did and to innovate; shareholder value came as a consequence.
In 1991, it changed its mission to this: 'Our objective is to maximise value for our shareholders by focusing on businesses where we have market leadership, a technological edge and a world-competitive cost base.' Crucial decisions emanate from these statements and ICI drastically reduced its investment in research and development to pay higher dividends. In the next few years it fell apart, until in 2007 the last remnant was bought up and absorbed by a rival.
I am not an economist; it may well be that ICI would have ceased to exist anyway. My point isn’t that companies that prioritise shareholder value don’t survive, but that our sense of identity and purpose define the decisions we make in an organisation (whether we are fully aware of it or not).
At ISA we are very aware of our mission and are keen that our whole community knows it. We don’t want an unsaid agenda. Our mission culminates in a statement about students becoming, “socially responsible, active global citizens”.
It is a belief that directs ISA’s choices. Not just for clubs and activities but in our curriculum as well. In Grades 9 and 10 students study Global Perspectives (GP), which give them a chance to engage with global issues that affect us locally. They also learn to collaborate to raise awareness and, in some cases, to take action.
On Wednesday, Grade 10 students gave their GP team presentations in the Queen Elizabeth theatre. Guests learnt about homelessness in Aberdeen, the experience of immigrants, and attitudes to health among teenagers amongst other issues. Students were changed by exploring these issues, and not just by the issues themselves. Also by the process of collaborating with others, of making connections outside our community and by presenting their findings.
Organisations, schools and companies included, exist for a purpose. ISA wants to provide an ‘excellent education’ in which every student ‘maximises their potential’. That is our school’s ‘shareholder value’. However our inspiration beyond that is that our students use their talents and abilities to become citizens making their worlds better places. Check out our mission and values on our website.
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