A Theoretical Model for Examining the Link between Governance and Philosophy in Higher Education

Abstract

Nearly all of the literature and research surrounding the idea of a university attempts to define and explain the role of the university in our current times. One area of burgeoning interest in this field is the precarious relationship among the provincial governments, the private sector, and the universities. As these stakeholders develop more involved relationships, university administrators must clearly define that institution's academic philosophy so that they can maintain a distinction between internal educational objectives and external socio-political and economic mandates. In order to accomplish this, it is essential that university administrators clearly understand the link between educational philosophy and administrative practice. This paper develops a theoretical model which describes the importance of recognizing the link between philosophy and administrative practice in university institutions.