Environmental Uncertainty and Performance of Chinese Public Universities

Abstract

This study mainly explored the relationship between environmental uncertainty and the performance of Chinese public universities. Data were collected through questionnaires. The census sampling method was employed to select Chinese public universities as samples. Data from 315 valid questionnaire responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). It was found environmental uncertainty can not impact on university performance. Apart from contributing to theories and literature, this research provided empirical insights for public universities, the public sector and other stakeholders in developing countries, particularly China. The results lead leaders to attach importance to actively improve the performance of public universities. It was also pointed out that public universities and businesses have different attitudes towards environmental uncertainty. The nature of Chinese public universities is different from that of enterprises. Therefore, environmental uncertainty cannot directly affect performance.