Promoting Shared Strategic Reflection in a Spanish Network of Schools: A Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Schools face social, economic, cultural and technological change that makes the need to address the process of strategic reflection relevant for leaders. Compared to a traditional model of strategic planning, this article proposes a new approach in which the future emerges through the construction of a shared vision. The objective of this study is the development of a framework to promote, in a school or network of schools, a shared reflection about the future based on the Theory U developed by Scharmer. This theory helps make organizations aware of the environment, define the desired future and select projects to achieve it. In addition, it emphasizes the participation of all members of the organization (or network) in the reflection process. This paper presents the case study of the shared reflection process of “Kristau Eskola” (an educational network of schools in Spain), in which 93 school directors participated. The conclusions of the study reveal the usefulness of Theory U to support strategic reflection processes; they highlight the advantages of being part of a network; reveal the generation of a shared mission, vision and values; and finally, point out specific projects to be addressed by the leaders for building the desired future.