The rise of the administrative estate in portuguese higher education

Abstract

This chapter analyses the development of the 'Administrative Estate' in Portuguese higher education institutions (HEIs) from 1974 to the present. The rise in the number and diversity of HEIs, the implementation of policies, growth in student numbers, the press for accountability, efficiency, effectiveness and Europeanisation have had marked impact on this body. How rapidly have the ranks of administrative staff grown compared with the Student and the Academic Estates? Many scholars claim bureaucratisation has developed in HEIs as a response to increased demands to show accountability. Bureaucratisation, some argue, has weakened the sense of autonomy and hints at a loss of influence by academia. Explanation for this is sought by reviewing the literature on the rise of the Administrative Estate at the institutional level. The jury is still out on whether reinforcement of that Estate brought about an improvement in the quality of services with which it has been entrusted.