6 - The evolution of a new hybrid organizational form in Chinese higher education: An institutionalist analysis

Abstract

Stemming from the rapid, global expansion of higher education, the new hybrid organizational form of combining the advantages of both public and private higher education in China continues to gain popularity in China’s changing economy. However, literature is void of thorough analyses of the factors surrounding the new hybrid model from an institutionalist perspective. Focusing on the processes of diffusing institutions and building them on the bases of interactive and competitive power dynamics, the purpose of this study is to use a combined theoretical approach to examining the dynamics of the institutionalization of the new hybrid organizational form. This study found that in a drastically changing environment, technical rationality is robust to explain the emergence of new organizational forms and the increased level of organizational diversity. While alongside stabilizing the environment, institutional rationality that emphasizes the influence of symbolic elements is helpful to achieve a better understanding about the legitimacy of a new organizational form, as well as the reality of convergent practices. The results are intended to inform policy-making regarding the realities and impact of organizational change in higher education.