CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Background of the Study

School uniform is a standard set of clothes which is worn by a group of people. No
one can deny the important of wearing school uniform because each school has its own
uniform that represents for the schools image and prestige. However, more and more people
say that it may not be a must for students to wear a school uniform. People have debated this
issue many times. Some people hold a belief that wearing school uniform is not a good idea,
since they think that it means these schools deprive students rights to choose what they want
to wear and what clothes are fit for them, some of others think that wearing school uniform
should be mandatory.
Uniforms are a very important part of the school's identity. It brings many benefits in
terms of moral, discipline and results because it is a leveler of children of all backgrounds
(Jones, 2015). On the other hand, Linne Hoofnagle a former staff writer for Tiger Hi-Line
said that the most obvious point against uniforms is that they restrict self-expression since we
live in a dynamic society, full of unique characters that make our world a spontaneous one.
Forcing them to wear ugly gray sweater vests and starched white shirts is not the way to do
that.
In the Philippines, wearing of a school uniform shall not be required in public schools.
Students with existing uniforms may continue using these uniforms, if they so desire, in order
to avoid incurring additional costs for new attire. In DepEd Order No. 45, Series 2008, it is
stated there that to increase school participation of all school-aged children, it is important to
remove any and all obstacles, particularly financial, to their enrolment in public schools.
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In University of Mindanao, there is no required university uniform unlike other

institutions. But still, school uniform is an identification for students. It is a form of respect to
the school. Thus, this study aims to assess the level of acceptability of wearing school
uniform and its impact to the students of this university. However, due to large number of
students. It limits only to the reactions and suggestions coming from BS Accountancy
students.

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of the study is to perceive the impact to the students of Bachelor
of Science in Accountancy the establishment of university uniform in University of
Mindanao.
Other specific objectives are as follows:
1.

What is the level of acceptance of establishing university school uniform?

2.

How do this uniform policy benefits the following:

3.

2.1.

School

2.2

Students

2.3

Parents of the Students

Are there any factors that will affect, either positively or negatively, the
establishment of university school uniform?

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Review of Related Literature

Presented in this section is a synthesis of research that supports the effect of
implementing uniform policy to the accountancy students of the University of Mindanao.
Included in this chapter is the historical overview of the implementation of uniform policy,
the importance of and studies conducted around the world in relation to the effect of
enactment of university uniform protocol.
Proposal of school uniform policy
School uniform is a representation of your school; a school identity. According to
Murray (2001) dress codes and uniform requirements in public schools already exist in 21
states. He said ample evidence exists showing those measures have led to a reduction in
school violence, vandalism and truancy. The adoption of school dress codes or uniforms helps
reinforce the message to our young people that they must arrive to school ready to learn. He
also added that in creating an environment that is conducive to learning, they also assist their
educators who currently must deal with many of the distractions prompted by clothing-related
and peer-pressure conflicts.
Perspective on uniform policy
I worked in situations where students wore uniforms and where they did not. In
general, uniforms put the students on equal footing with their peers on terms of appearance. I
also think It would help us better manage a dress code. Uniforms would better deal with
issues as to whether students have proper attire or not. (Swan, 2003)
On the other hand, Pasqua (2009) mentioned that you cannot compare attendance and
discipline data over the years before the uniform policy and after the uniform policy and
credit just the uniform policy as improving attendance and discipline. He also added that

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there are many other variables or procedures in place to do the same thing and all of them
together are working to improve attendance and discipline.
Upshot of the Implementation
Implementing this protocol may take be positively or negatively; sometimes
neutrality. According to Villelabeitia (1997), it will improve students' attitude in the
classroom and promote a more disciplined environment, as the Buena Park School District on
Monday approved a uniform policy for Buena Park Junior High students. As stated by Jarvis
(1996), the benefits of a uniform policy include putting more emphasis on studies, preventing
discrimination between haves and have-nots, increasing school spirit and reducing the
influence of gang affiliation. According to Kass (1996), it allows students to focus on their
studies, rather than their clothes, and help cut down on problems such as tardiness and
truancy.
Implementation of Uniform Policy
"Do school uniforms make it easier to identify a non-student on campus? Yes. Do
school uniforms decrease student harassment and teasing over what students wear? Yes. Do
school uniforms decrease theft of expensive name-brand clothes? Yes. (Pasqua, 2009)
According to Zullo (2009), nationally, competing studies are cited to demonstrate the
effectiveness of school uniforms in combating discipline problems or the reverse. Opponents
say compulsory uniforms stifle students' freedom of expression with a negligible impact on
safety and behavior. Even so, local school officials are confident uniforms have had a positive
impact on student behavior and created safer school environments.
Meanwhile on constituting school policy, it has legal effect which goes through a
process. According to Guimond (1996), doing so would violate students' rights to a free
public education. But it was contradicted by Torjusen and Petreccia (1996) saying that as long
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as the policy is implemented upon recommendation of a school's orientation committee, it's

perfectly legal.
As stated by Sandra Tan (1996), public schools wanting to establish a student uniform
policy need to get parents involved in the process and demonstrate a legitimate school interest
that would be served by having such a policy. The guidelines state that schools seeking to
implement voluntary or mandatory student uniform policies should gain parent and
community support and consider legal issues of free expression and the financial impact on
poorer families.
Financially speaking, based on Levine (1997), the uniform policy will place a
financial burden on some families who will have to struggle to keep two or more sets of
clothing.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

An effective approach to achieving the desired structure needed for school
improvements may be found in school uniform policies. These are the relevant theories that
will support this study.
Social cognitive theory. This theory explains the acquisition of knowledge from its
environment through thought, experience and senses. It also includes self-regulation or selfefficacy. Behaviors can be changed if students are sufficiently encouraged to overcome
barriers, such as self-doubt, that influence personal and environmental factors.
If the administration, teachers, students, and the community embrace a school uniform
policy, then the climate of learning may be enhanced. School uniforms may be a way for
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students to gain confidence in their appearance, which may also promote learning in the
classroom and enhance the learning climate.
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Model (1943). This theory is helpful for
understanding the climate of a business, organization, or school (Rafferty, 2008). It identified
five needs that must be satisfied in order for members of the organization to be productive.
These are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self- actualization (Maslow, 1943). This
theory also hypothesize that it was the task of the leaders to achieve motivation of the
employees by addressing the basic needs of the individuals and allowing them to reach selfactualization.
Those five needs are what schools need to be productive. It is the responsibility of the
administration and teachers working together and putting different plans in place that help the
students to feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to work to their fullest potential at
school.
School Climate Theory. Climate is an objective element within an organization
which is measured through the members perceptions. Climate is part of the organization and
that it exists regardless of the perceptions through which it is made known (Stringer, 2002).
Proponents of the school climate theory maintain that a schools ecology, social system, and
culture affect a schools ability to regulate student behavior (Patton, 2011). Proponents
suggest that student outcomes, including school disorder, will be lower when the social
climate is more socially unified and has a shared sense of values and beliefs (Zaykowski &
Gunter, 2011).
Since school climate is affected by its environment, then school uniforms should
affect the climate, because it affects the environment. School uniforms help add to a childs
sense of belonging and family because everyone is dressed the same.
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Dependent Variable
Confidence in
appearance

Independent Variable:
Implementation of
School Uniform
Policy

Dependent Variable:
Safety

Dependent Variable:
Sense of Belonging

Significance of the Study

The purpose of this paper is to provide University Mindanao the idea about the impact
of the implementation of university uniform to the students of Bachelor of Science in
Accountancy. Specifically, the result of the study would be beneficial to the following:
School. The University of Mindanao will able to know the impression of the students
and feedback of the parents regarding the implementation of university uniform. This study
will give ideas and awareness to the administration and the benefits they will earn if they will
implement the said policy in the future. It would also be beneficial to the school because

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through this university school policy, it will uphold a more well- organized environment and
increase the school spirit.
Students. This study will awaken the ideas of the students about the university
uniform policy implementation. If the said policy will be implemented in the future, it will
help the students to feel secure at the same time students will feel the sense of belongingness.
It will also give the student the feeling of being united and it will avoid discrimination among
them. The said study will also help the students to regain insights regarding the implication of
having university uniform and it will help them to lessen the burden in decision making with
regards on wearing everyday clothing.
Parents of the Students. Through this study, if the policy will be implemented it will
help the parents to lessen the burden on clothing expenses they incurred over their
child/children since there will be a university uniform. Also, same with the students, they will
also feel secure about their students going to school.

Definition of Terms
The terms in this study are defined conceptually and operationally as follows:
Acceptability. Conceptually, it is capable or worthy of being accepted. MerriamWebster. Operationally, it is the acceptability of the BS Accountancy student in the University
of Mindanao on the proposed policy.
Impact. Conceptually, it is to have an immediate and strong effect on something or
someone. Encarta Encyclopedia. Operationally, it the impact of establishing university
uniform policy to the student of the University of Mindanao taking up BS Accountancy.
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School climate. Conceptually, it is the learning environment created through the

interaction of human relationships, physical setting and psychological atmosphere. Perkins,
2006. Operationally, it is the school climate of the student of the University of Mindanao
taking up BS Accountancy that may be affected on implementing university uniform policy.
Uniform. Conceptually, it is considered to be a distinctive set of clothes worn to
identify a persons occupation, affiliation, or status. In reference to the school setting,
uniforms are a distinctive style or other feature that identifies someone as a member of a
group. Brunsma, 2006. Operationally, it is the main variable in the study of the impact of
establishing uniform policy to the BS Accountancy Student of the University of Mindanao.

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CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY

This chapter is concerned about the methods that will be used in conducting this
research. This will include the steps and procedures of data gathering and sampling methods
to be undertaken by the researcher.
Research Design
This study employed a causal research design to examine the impact of the
implementation of school uniform policy to the BS Accountancy students of the University of
Mindanao. Furthermore, this study will use qualitative research and quantitative research.
It uses qualitative research since it inquires the perceptions of the students about the
issue of this study. It is also used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions
and motivations which provide insights into the matter presented by this study.
Qualitative

research

will

develop

ideas

or

hypotheses

for

potential

quantitative research. This quantitative research will be used to illustrate the results in a clear
and comprehensible manner.
Research Respondents
There are 200 interviewees of this research. All are BS Accountancy students of
University of Mindanao. The researcher chooses a convenient sampling method in order to
gather information faster considering the limited time allotment. The student-interviewee
came from different year level. The compositions of the body were as follows:

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Year Level

1st Year Level

2ndYear Level
3rdYear Level
4thYear Level
TOTAL

Number of Participants
50 Participants
50 Participants
50 Participants
50 Participants
200 Participants

Research Instrument
This study will use random sampling so that each member has an equal probability of
selection to represent the entirety of the population. Moreover, the researcher will use
statistical method and mathematical concepts in drawing its conclusions from the information
that will be gathered during the interview.
In order to gather data and information necessary for this study, the researcher will
conduct an interview from randomly selected BS Accountancy student of different year level
by answering the questions prepared by the researcher.

The questions
The first part of the interview will include the general information regarding the
participants background information such as the name, year level and other things related to
the study.

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Then the following questions that will be asked by the researcher will be limited only
to things that relate to the implementation of school uniform policy in the University of
Mindanao.
The outline of the questions that will be asked were as follows:
1. What is your name?
2. What is your year level?
3. Would you like the school to have a university school uniform?
If the answer is Yes, these are the follow-up questions:
Does school uniform policy hinder an individual student's self-expression,
creativity and/or personality? Why?
Does school uniform policy increase school pride and creates a sense of
community? Promotes sense of security?
Will the implementation of a school uniform policy be financially beneficial
for your parents? Why?
If the answer is No, the interviewee will be asked for his/her reasons.
These are the questions to be asked by the researcher. The results of the interview,
together with the conclusions and recommendations will be presented in the next chapters.
Data Gathering Procedure
The researcher chooses to conduct interview in order to gather first-hand evidence
that will be necessary in forming conclusions and recommendations. The researcher will also
browse for more updated information regarding the subject to collaborate the ideas given
from different articles posted on the internet.
The participants from the different year level will be asked the same questions. The
interview will be conducted at the convenience of the interviewee. Permission to conduct
interview will be first secured by the researcher so as to not disturb the works of the
interviewee.
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The questions were asked personally by the researcher and there is no answer sheet
provided. Only relevant answers that will relate to this study will be noted, in order to keep
the interview objective as possible.
The researcher believed that the abovementioned process were sufficient to conduct
this study. Other necessary steps that will come out will be welcomed to be used as the study
continues.
Data Analysis and Tools Used
The results of the interview about this study will be processed and analyzed using
statistical method.
The level of acceptance of the implementation of school uniform will be computed
using the basic measure of central location (eg. mean and mode). The data that will be used
are dependent from the results of interview conducted from the students. The researcher will
compare and analyze their answers through ratio and proportion technique.
To list the benefits that the students, parents and school will get, the researcher will
list all the common answers of the respondents as well as those supplemental factors that will
affect the implementation of school uniform policy in the University of Mindanao.

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