Exploring the Underlying Factors of School and Stakeholders` Relational Gaps: A Case Study

Abstract

The quality of relationships between schools and their stakeholders—such as parents, community leaders, local government units, and civil society organizations—plays a crucial role in achieving effective, inclusive, and sustainable education systems. This study explored the underlying factors contributing to relational gaps between schools and stakeholders in Bagumbayan District through an in-depth case study approach. It aimed to understand the nature of these gaps, the contributing factors, and their implications for school-community collaboration and educational outcomes. A qualitative case study design was employed to provide a comprehensive and contextualized understanding of the phenomenon. Multiple stakeholders, including school personnel and community representatives, were purposively selected as participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to capture diverse perspectives on school-stakeholder relationships. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns, key issues, and explanatory themes. Findings revealed that relational gaps were influenced by communication barriers, lack of regular engagement, differing expectations, limited transparency in school decision-making, and minimal stakeholder participation in school activities. Socio-cultural differences, time constraints, and resource limitations also contributed to weak collaboration. Additionally, some stakeholders reported feeling excluded from meaningful involvement in school governance and planning processes. Despite these challenges, the study identified opportunities for strengthening relationships through improved communication channels, inclusive leadership practices, regular consultations, and the establishment of collaborative partnerships. Trust-building and mutual understanding emerged as critical elements in bridging relational gaps. The study concludes that addressing relational gaps requires intentional efforts to foster open communication, shared decision-making, and active stakeholder engagement to promote stronger school-community partnerships and more responsive educational environments. Keywords: stakeholder engagement, institutional trust, school-community collaboration, communication barriers