Is Commodification of Education Doomed to Fail: An Empirical Case Study Investigation into Commodification as the Cause of Failure of UK HE Providers

Abstract

This paper examines the commodification model as a cause of collapse by establishing if there is a link between commodification and the failure of HE institutions. The study aims to answer 3 questions: Is profit-driven commodification the main cause of the collapse of private HE providers? If not, what is the cause and to what extent is the model a contributor to its decline? What lessons can be learned from understanding failure to prevent it? Methodology – interpretive, phenomenological case study approach based on a single case of a small-sized alternative higher education provider in London. The mixed method using observation along with documentation and interviews provided an opportunity for triangulation to improve reliability. Primary data from focus group interviews with staff, students and senior management were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings – the study found that the commodification trend in the form of corporatization and profiteering was the leading cause, of failure. The commodification model is incompatible with education outcomes. Findings also revealed that student welfare, progress and learning outcomes are better goal which would positively impact in success. Profiteering puts heavy pressure on outcomes, negatively impacting on motivation, low morale, staff demotivation, student dissatisfaction, financial and emotional pressure on students, create a culture of victimization, unethical predatory practice etc.