Education and the Convergence of Management Codes

Abstract

This article will argue that there is an increasing convergence of practices between the commercial and non‐profit sectors, including schools, and that this can be interpreted as beneficial to both sectors. Nevertheless, a cautionary note is sounded. Whilst the commercial sector is adopting many of the practices and strategies of the non‐profit sector, this article suggests that it is doing this, at least in part, for different reasons: as another means of achieving better results. It is predicted that should such strategies fail to achieve what is envisioned, they will be dropped for other methods. In such circumstances, non‐profit organisations like schools should be very wary of surrendering their mission statements and practices because, unlike commercial organisations, these must be treated as first‐order ethical commitments, not second‐order strategic options. The conclusion, then, is one of a welcome for the increased dialogue which is likely to take place between the sectors, but the sounding of a cautionary note in any final description of the kind of ethically challenging role which schools may play for other‐‐and particularly commercial‐‐organisations.