Reconceptualizing State Higher Education Agencies as Multifacing Organizations: A Principal-Agent Perspective

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Division L Section 1 Poster Session

Abstract

Our understanding of the role of state higher education governing and coordinating boards (state higher education agencies) in the postsecondary policy process remains disjointed. Previous work on these organizations cast their role as either being a proxy for the state or overseer of institutions. Drawing from a larger study investigating research utilization, this study examines data from Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas to highlight the dual role that state higher education agencies can take and re-conceptualize their function as more akin to intermediary organizations, serving as boundary-spanning groups between the state and institution. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of state higher education agencies and the avenues by which state politics can influence institutional decision-making.

Authors

• Paul G. Rubin, University of Georgia

• Erik C. Ness, University of Georgia

• Lori Prince Hagood, University of Georgia - Athens

• Kristen Linthicum, University of Georgia - Athens