Staff-Perspectives-on-Effect-of-Commercialisation-on-Stakeholders-in-Higher-Education-Longitudinal-Case-Study-of-Alternative-Higher-Education-Institutions-in-the-UK.pdf

Abstract

This study is established to investigate perspectives of academic staff on the effect of the profit-centric commercialisation model on HE providers in UK. It seeks to address the effect of commercialisation on UK based alternative providers using a case study approach. The paper examines the staff perspectives on profit-oriented model and the effect on stakeholders like teaching staff and students. To this end 3 research questions are addressed: does the commercial corporate model of profit-based commodified education provision have an effect on the internal stakeholders of HE institutions such as lecturers and students? If so what is the nature of this effect? What lessons can be learnt so measures can be taken to improve the effect? Methodology – phenomenological paradigm was adopted in order to gain a deep insight into the phenomenon of commodification. The approach used was qualitative case study – based on Yin (1994) looking at 3 different alternative HE providers which enabled a triangulated reflection of the UK HE private sector. The main research approach used was focus group interviews - conducted with lecturers, senior managers and students in order to validate the documentary findings which proved useful and robust. The semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically, which provided a depth of understanding of emerging patterns. Findings – the study revealed that internal stakeholders did not feel that the model allowed them to achieve outcomes. The corporate profit-centric model was found to have a strong negative effect on staff and students who perceived it as predatory and exploitative. The model was also a leading cause of staff demotivation and student dissatisfaction. Limitations – the study was not able to delve into deeper on the issues uncovered by the study such as managerial failure, institutional collapse and ethical governance. That will need a complete and independent research on its own since it falls outside of the remit of this enquiry.