Efficiency, Excellence, and Professionalism in Higher Education

Every university today is striving for efficiency, excellence, and professionalism. With limited resources, universities aim to attract more students, help them graduate quickly, and conduct research that maximizes societal impact. As a result, universities undergo constant reorganizations, adopting new management models to enhance efficiency. The number of administrators and managers responsible for improving educational outcomes, supporting research initiatives, and ensuring operational efficiency has skyrocketed. Ironically, this has led to concerns that universities have been taken over by managers.

An Exploration of the Changing Face of Universities

This collection of essays delves into the transformation of universities and explores how the once-unquestionable authority of professors has been challenged. It examines the historical factors that have contributed to the current state of affairs and sheds light on the journey from an academic-oriented institution to one influenced by managerial practices.

Topics Covered in the Book

1. A Historical Perspective: Pim Huijnen explores the early alliance between knowledge and capital by examining the professionalization of food research in the 1920s and 1930s led by L.K. Wolff.

2. The Shift in Power: Peter Jan Knegtmans discusses the struggle for power and priority between rectors and directors at the University of Amsterdam from 1945 to 1955.

3. The Role of Deans: Henk van Rinsum and Arie de Ruijter investigate the transition of deans from primus inter pares in the traditional university setting to chief executive officers in the modern "McUniversity".

4. Challenges of Professionalization: Leen Dorsman examines the pitfalls of professionalization by studying the downfall of a college of board members.

5. The Impact of Organizational Structure: Lyana Francot and Bald de Vries question the implications of bureaucratic structures on universities and their intellectual capital.

6. Balancing Information and Reputation: Judith Thissen analyzes the half-century-long policies of the University of Utrecht regarding media and public relations concerning scientific research.

This thought-provoking collection offers valuable insights into the contemporary challenges faced by universities and provides a comprehensive understanding of how managerial practices have permeated academia. It urges readers to critically reflect on the changing dynamics in higher education and the implications for knowledge creation and dissemination.