Institutionalization Mechanisms at the Universities: Case Study of the Turkish Universities

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explain the institutionalization mechanisms of a focal institution of higher education and two spawning institutions. In this context, views of faculty members on institutional similarity of universities have been presented. Case study was employed in the research. This research design is also a comparative design as focal institution and spawning institutions were compared in terms of institutionalization in the research. The participants of this research is comprised of 27 faculty members who have been working in focal institution called X University Faculty of Education, and spawning institutions called Y University Faculty of Education and Z University Faculty of Education in Turkey. Focal and spawning institutions differ from other faculties within their universities due to the fact that their goal is to train individual with typical faculty of education culture. Faculties are under the pressure adhering to policies and standards established by the Council of Higher Education such as establishing which courses will be given and restructuring of departments. Spawning faculties are allowed to consult with X University when they are facing uncertainties. In the case of uncertainty, unethical behaviors that the spawning institutions copy or take as a model from the focal institutions need to be prevented.