Actual Autonomy, Efficiency and Performance of Universities: Insights from the Russian Case. Issue 2 (25th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agasisti, Tommaso; Shibanova, Ekaterina
• Is Part Of: International journal of public administration. Volume 45:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2022-01-25
• Subjects: Autonomy -- higher education management -- composite indicator -- efficiency analysis; Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/01900692.2021.1903496
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-0692

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper studies the relationship between university institutional autonomy (both formal and informal) and their performance and efficiency using multi-stage empirical methodology. First, we measure an "autonomy-in-use" index, and then we employ Data Envelopment Analysis in order to evaluate institutional efficiency. Lastly, we use a panel fixed effect regression to provide robust evidence for the relationship between institutional autonomy, performance and efficiency. We find that formal status of autonomy does not predict higher publication activity or efficiency. However, the findings also reveal that informal autonomy is positively associated with efficiency scores, and advanced practices in staff management can contribute to increases in publication activity and overall institutional efficiency.