Privatization, Institutional Isomorphism, and the Academic Work of Faculty in Public Comprehensive Universities

• In Event: Roundtable Session 38
  In Roundtable Session: Institutional Analysis of Academic Life

Abstract

If privatization is compelling regional public universities toward isomorphic strategies, then expectations for faculty work in those institutions are likely to change dramatically. In particular, faculty may be expected to engage in higher levels of research productivity, attract external funding through grants and contracts, and support institutional efforts to recruit and retain larger numbers of students. Scholars have therefore raised questions regarding whether faculty in regional public universities can be effective in the context of increasing demands for more research, more teaching, and service to the institution and society at large. The purpose of this study is to understand how privatization and isomorphic strategies are reshaping the work of faculty members in comprehensive regional universities.

Authors

• Jay R. Dee, University of Massachusetts - Boston

• Cheryl Joy Daly, Western Carolina University