Managing the Effective University

Abstract

Aabstract Universities face an almost certain future of relentless variation in a more austere climate. Changes in the environment — mass higher education, knowledge growth, reduced public funding, increased emphasis on employment skills, pressures for more accountability have been reflected in fundamental internal changes. One result has been a growing sense of disillusionment among academic staff. At the same time, standards of research and teaching have come under increasingly close examination, while inter‐university competition has never been greater. Evidence from several investigations points to the crucial role of academic leadership in maintaining morale, enhancing productivity, and helping staff to welcome momentous change. Tomorrow's effective universities will require academic managers whose leadership qualities resemble those of good teachers in higher education.