Establishing and Working with Governing Bodies
Autor(en)
Michael Kelly, Hans Peter Jensen, Ulrich Müller, Mathias Winde,
Preis
12,99 € (62 Seiten, PDF)
Inhalt
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1 Establishing and Working with a University Governing Authority
Effective governance is increasingly recognised as a prerequisite to sustainable business performance in any setting. Universities, due to their multi-dimensional roles in society, their collegiate nature and their need to relate to a wide range of stake-holders, have distinctive features which need to be recognised in the design of their governance arrangements. Experience with the Irish model points to the trade-offs between inclusiveness and legitimacy on the one hand, and, on the other, the desire for an explicitly competence-based GA in ensuring ‘best fit’ between the composition and mission of the Governing Authority. Clear definition of the role of each actor in the governance model and acknowledgement of the mutual dependence of effective performance of each of these roles, alongside careful design of the relationships between them are identified as key requirements.
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Establishing and Working with Governing Boards: A Personal Account from Denmark
This contribution uses the historical example of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Denmark’s higher education system to document the importance of having visible, competent and non-elected management at universities. To do so, the chapter looks at the changes in the constitution of institutional governing bodies in Denmark over time, starting with the system of governance before 1968 and examining the shifting internal power structure caused by the University Governing Act of the 1970s. Focus will be placed on the consequences of these shifts for different governmental actors, including Senate members, TAP, STUD and VIP, as well as the excellence of research. Aided by the author’s personal experience, the developments of the 1980s and 1990s will also be analyzed, including the pressure from external partners on university leaders to reform internal governance and the 1993 University Act. Finally, the chapter will provide an overview of the current conditions in Denmark’s university governing system, which now includes a rather closed appointment and election scheme but also the functional influence of a Board of Governors. This is key in building relationships with external, society partners and putting strategic plans into effect.
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Governing Boards in German Higher Education Institutions
Purposes, Roles and Factors for Success or Failure
The article gives an overview on the role of Governing Boards in Germany and on the factors contributing to the success of Governing Boards. As well as identifying stumbling blocks that are liable to hamper the work of Boards, the article offers hands-on tips for HEIs, Governing Boards and state representatives. The recommendations and food for thought offered here take stock of how different models and approaches have been used in Germany to date. The article is based on an indepth analysis of state regulations, an evaluation of the research literature and on qualitative interviews with experts and members of Governing Boards. Governing Boards are elements of Higher education Governance in many European countries. This article highlights the situation in Germany, or, to be more precise, the overall situation in the 16 different federal states in Germany. While some findings may be context-sensitive, most of the observations and conclusions can be applied to other Higher Education systems as well.