Joaquim Mourato and Maria Teresa Patrício
The purpose of this paper is to study the evaluation and control processes in the governance systems of higher education institutions (HEIs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the evaluation and control processes in the governance systems of higher education institutions (HEIs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study compares the performance and control processes of strategic management in four HEIs in two European countries with binary systems – Portugal and The Netherlands. Using a case study approach, the authors find that HEIs with different missions and contexts have performance and control systems that are generally indistinguishable.
Findings
The controlling strategies in the public HEIs have taken on isomorphic characteristics based on processes that enhance competition, decentralize functions and solidify performance management.
Originality/value
In this paper, the authors “unpackage” strategic management to focus on the forms of control associated with performance evaluation. Performance evaluation is central to the management process and increasingly assuming an integral part of the institution’s identity and culture.