Gender inequalities in organizational strategies and structures in Lithuania: a case study of a managerial university

• In Event: Gendered hierarchies, ideologies and discourses (Hybrid Panel)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine the effect of NPM reforms on managerialism at university and the implications of this for gender segregation at a managerial university. Drawing on gender and organizational theories we conducted a case study of a managerial university in Lithuania drawing on policy document and survey data analysis of university academic staff (n=142). The study shows that university strategies use rather managerial rhetoric and senior academic staff perceive their university management increasingly as a managerial and collegial hybrid organization. We find vertical segregation in terms of gender in the management structures of a Lithuanian case study university with women being more likely to experience career progression barriers than men. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for gender-balanced composition of higher education management at Lithuanian universities.

Short Bio

Liudvika Leišytė is Professor of Higher Education and Vice-Director of the Center for Higher Education at the TU Dortmund University in Germany. In 2008-2009 she was a postdoctoral fellow at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European studies at Harvard University. Prof. Leišytė’s research focuses on academic profession and governance reforms, especially exploring the questions of performance management and digitalisation, professional autonomy, quality evaluation, and gender equality.
She has published more than 100 publications, including five books, four special issues and articles in prestigious journals in higher education studies and in public administration.
International expert for the European Commission, OECD, European University Association and national expert bodies, such as research councils, and quality assurance agencies. The Chair of the Board of Lithuanian scientists’ abroad association Futura Scientia. An editorial board member for Learning Organization, Triple Helix, European Journal of Higher Education, Acta Paedagogica Vilnensia, Higher Education Policy, Social Inclusion. Twitter: @liudvikaleisyte

Author

• Liudvika Leisyte, TU Dortmund University