On Higher Education's Complexities and the Potential of Network Governance. A Case Study. Issue 2 (25th January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muyters, Gertjan; Broucker, Bruno; De Witte, Kristof
• Is Part Of: International journal of public administration. Volume 45:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2022-01-25
• Subjects: Network governance -- higher education -- new public management -- hybridity -- education quality; Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/01900692.2021.2003813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-0692

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the governance challenges that increasing hybridity poses to higher education institutions (HEIs). It examines the potential of network governance as a public governance approach that allows HEIs to find a good fit to their environment and become accountable to complex stakeholder environments. Central research questions are as follows: (1) Is network governance a suitable model to address organisational complexity and associated competing institutional logics? (2) What characterises the network model for HEIs in such a setting? A Delphi method, semi-structured in-depth interviews and collective meetings with HEI policy makers are combined with a literature review and case studies to distinguish an integrated governance model for teacher trainings with multiple suppliers. Our findings suggest that a network model combines the development of efficient cooperation structures within and between HEIs. As key success factors the study identified a reduction of competitive pressure, financial security, internal and external transparency, organisational autonomy and a clear vision.