Community Universities in Brazil: Why do you need to improve your management model?

Abstract

The article is the result of the work of a research group from Southern Brazil, as part of a study on management models in Community Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE). It aims to problematize challenges of these institutions in relation to the improvement of management in a competitive scenario, governmental regulatory and lack of public resources. It is a qualitative and exploratory research with data from recent multiple case studies with CIHE managers and literature review. The results enunciate institutional actions that contribute to the improvement of the management models: i) successful initiatives in the adequacy of structures and processes; ii) fragile policy of communication with the market and the external and internal community; iii) good relationship with governmental authorities, business, economic and social segments; and iv) political articulations, entrepreneurial and innovative attitudes. It is concluded on the necessity of continuing exploring good management indicators and new forms of university governance.