A 2026 study by Vu Kim Diem from Kien Giang University, Vietnam, highlights the decisive role of school culture in shaping higher education reform. The research shows that strong institutional culture not only improves teaching quality but also supports long-term transformation and sustainable development in universities.
Vietnam’s higher education system has made significant progress over the past decades, but challenges remain. Issues related to outdated curricula, teaching methods, and governance systems continue to hinder competitiveness in a globalized education landscape. As the country pushes for comprehensive reform, school culture is increasingly seen as a critical factor behind successful transformation.
The study uses a qualitative approach, combining philosophical analysis and educational perspectives. It examines how values, norms, leadership styles, and institutional practices influence university performance and reform outcomes.
Key findings from the study include:
- School culture serves as both a goal and a driving force of reform.
- A strong academic culture improves teaching, research, and student development.
- Cultural values act as a regulatory system that guides behavior and decision-making.
- Universities with cohesive cultures adapt more effectively to change and global competition.
Vu Kim Diem explains that school culture is more than an institutional identity. It shapes how lecturers teach, how students learn, and how universities respond to change. According to her, universities with strong cultural foundations are better positioned to innovate and sustain reform efforts.
The research identifies four major roles of school culture in higher education reform:
- As a reform goal – building values, identity, and academic standards.
- As a driving force – motivating lecturers and students to innovate.
- As a regulatory system – guiding institutional behavior and ensuring stability.
- As an evaluation criterion – measuring the success and direction of reform.
The implications are significant. For policymakers, strengthening school culture can improve governance, accountability, and education quality. For universities, it enhances institutional branding, attracts talent, and supports international collaboration. For students, a positive academic culture fosters not only knowledge but also character, creativity, and critical thinking.
The study also emphasizes that school culture must be built collectively. Collaboration between universities, families, and society is essential to create a supportive learning environment and develop future generations with strong moral and intellectual foundations.
Vu Kim Diem notes that in the era of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, universities must rely not only on infrastructure or funding but also on cultural strength. “Culture determines the sustainability and identity of educational institutions,” she highlights, emphasizing its role in long-term success.
Author Profile
Vu Kim Diem - Kien Giang University, Vietnam.
Source
Vu Kim Diem. (2026). Cultural Foundations for Reform: The Role of School Culture in Vietnamese Higher Education. International Journal of Integrated Science and Technology (IJIST), Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 200–211.
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