Perceptions of Faculty Leadership in University Governance: A Case Study

Abstract

University governance is a core issue of higher education, and faculty plays a critical role. In a structured interview, 10 faculty members from a case university in central China elaborate on their university’s governance structure and their own leadership in university governance. One distinctive feature revealed is that there are dual authorities: political and administrative. Although the faculty members believe they have some impact on the governance of curriculum, faculty governance, student governance, and organizational governance, the actual practice is different. The faculty members have less of a say in final decisions, and their leadership is often impinged upon by their administrators (including academic leaders with administrative functions). In spite of this, all of the interviewees still feel that they should participate in university governance and seek more involvement in final decisions. This article concludes with suggestions on effective governance practices for universities.