Autonomy and performance contracts at universities

Niels Ejersbo, Signe Pihl-Thingvad, Maiken Westergaard

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingContribution to book/anthologyResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    This chapter provides a better understanding of the relationship between a PM-inspired governance model and both formal and real autonomy at Danish universities. The societal role of universities is also argued to be especially important in knowledge-based economy, and this tendency causes a greater focus on performance at the universities. And “The basic features of past governance modes in higher education have been re-designed by governments, and in doing so they have also changed their role in the steering system”. The managerial model of the Danish universities can best be described as steering-at-a-distance. The governance model consisted of a new managerial model with professional boards combined with performance contracts between the ministry and the board. The contract contains a number of performance targets that the university must fulfil and must account for by the end of the contract period. The performance contract between the ministry and the university is an important element in the performance management system.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationGoverning the reformed university
    EditorsNiels Ejersbo, Carsten Greve, Signe Pihl-Thingvad
    Number of pages20
    Place of PublicationNew York
    PublisherRoutledge
    Publication date2020
    Pages98-117
    Chapter7
    ISBN (Print)978-1-138-06842-1
    ISBN (Electronic)978-1-315-15797-9
    Publication statusPublished - 2020
    SeriesRoutledge Critical Studies in Public Management

    Keywords

    • management, organizational development and innovation

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