Contribution of national accreditation systems to ensuring the quality of higher education institutions: a conceptual theoretical approach

Abstract

A new taxonomy of instruments and mechanisms for articulation of universities with the State-Regulator, markets and civil society which would allow the quality of both universities and higher education systems to be increased, is proposed. The methodology consists of an update of the Clark Triangle. It is also observed that in a country where a low percentage of public universities are accredited, it calls into question the conviction of the State-Regulator itself in the value of institutional accreditation to ensure the quality of them. The proposed model allows us to better understand how higher education institutions, and especially universities, can build caring and manage institutional reputation. It is found that universities that are active in communicating the quality achieved, will also influence the construction of institutional reputation.