The governance and administration of British universities, polytechnics, and central institutions : the present status and trends for the future

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe and compare the structure and function of the governing and administrative bodies of British universities, polytechnics, and central institutions, and to present a view of the future based on present trends. The first task was accomplished through an extensive literature review. Central to this review were documents supplied by 35 universities and 28 polytechnics and central institutions in Great Britain. Interviews were also conducted at 13 British institutions. A short history of the development of the subject institutions beginning with the 12th century is included, emphasizing the development of governance and administration. This is followed by a description of the present status, including major external influences, and the constitution and powers of governing and administrative bodies and their officers with examples of each. A three round Delphi study was used to identify predicted future trends. Sixteen universities and 19 polytechnics and central institutions volunteered to complete the study. Two propositional inventories were developed from lists submitted by the participants, one for universities containing 81 statements and one for polytechnics and central institutions containing 71. The panels were asked to rate each statement on a 5 point Likert scale as to its likelihood of occurrence and its educational impact, should it occur. Some of the 17 conclusions are as follows (summarized): (1) Based on the increase in public funding of universities over the years and the increase in demands for public accountability, the justification for maintaining a binary system has weakened. Universities, given the accuracy of their own predictions, will become more like polytechnics and central institutions. (2) Polytechnics and central institutions have earned the right to validate their own courses and grant their own degrees. (3) Governing bodies in Britain are more representative of the society, and British academics have more power and administrators less than their counterparts in the United States. (4) British institutions will have to increase their public relations and planning activities. (5) Regional institutions will develop, joining universities and colleges in geographical proximity in cooperative ventures. Recommendations are offered for consideration. Areas for further research are suggested.