Governance and Administration: Organizational and Structural Trends

Abstract

Colleges and universities belong to the oldest type of organizations in the world. They have survived turbulent periods and epochs of different values, beliefs, and cultural norms. It can be assumed that their administration and governance have unique features which enabled successful adaptations to changing environments (Gumport & Sporn, 1999; Van Vught, 1995). Still, many argue that institutions of higher education need to profoundly alter their behavior in order to guarantee long-term sustainability (Chevaillier, 2002; Jeliazkova& Westerheijden, 2002; Sporn, 2003). The history of higher education (Rothblatt & Wittrock, 1993) shows that the most recent challenges are very complex and dense. Contrary to past situations, colleges and universities are facing simultaneous threats (and opportunities) which need their full attention. Among these are financial constraints, the proliferation of information and communication technology, competition and marketization in the higher education sector, as well as increasing professionalization of academic administration.