Universities are important public institutions and are seen as key drivers for a country’s economic and intellectual development. Their ability to deliver relevant research and education at the highest level have an impact on growth and progress in society, and governments attempt to control and govern the development of the universities. It is no longer left to the individual researcher or the institution to determine the role of the university.


Universities have traditionally had a special role in society with a high degree of autonomy and independence. They have been described as a self-governing Republic of Science and their internal organization is characterized as "academic tribes". However, universities can also be viewed as institutions with somewhat similar characteristics as other public institutions with highly professionalized staff.


Governing the Reformed University is a coherent volume based on a unique data set. The aim of the book is to quantitatively and qualitatively understand and explain how reforms and management instruments are implemented and how it influences different levels of the organization from the top management level to the employees within universities. It contributes to the knowledge of reform and reform impact in higher education. It also adds to our understanding of management and governance at universities and through which mechanisms management works at universities.


This book builds on and adds to the knowledge of studies of reform and governance at universities. The data used in the book consists of a number of data sets and is collected as part of a comprehensive research project. Academics and policy makers alike in the fields of public administration, public management, public policy, educational studies and accountancy will find this of high interest.