The issue of performance in Higher education institution - Community partnerships: A Canadian perspective

Abstract

Higher education institutions are expected to account for their performance and this increasingly includes strengthening community relationships. However, assessment of Higher education institution (HEI)-Community partnerships is nascent. In this study we seek to discern the situation of these partnerships and examine accountability for performance in Canada, thereby advancing understanding about this international phenomenon. A search of Canadian HEIs was carried out to identify those with an explicit mandate relating to community relationships and an initial questionnaire was distributed to their offices. Results afford insights into the present state of HEI-Community partnerships in Canada. A second questionnaire, distributed to individuals within the HEIs as well as community partners, examined how best to assess the performance of HEI-Community partnerships. Indicators and measures associated with a three-fold framework (inputs, processes, outcomes) were validated, offering important and timely advancements to HEIs in the era of accountability and performance-based funding.