Competing Conceptions of Academic Governance: Negotiating the Perfect Storm : Book Review

"Competing Conceptions of Academic Governance" by William G. Tierney offers a profound exploration of the different models of governing higher education institutions. Focusing on the United States, Tierney delves into the complex dynamics between state legislatures, boards of trustees, faculty members, and administrators, providing valuable insights into the evolution and implications of academic governance.

The book begins by examining the historical origins of academic governance and traces its development over time. Tierney provides a comprehensive overview of the various governance models, including the corporate model, shared governance model, and neo-liberal model. He critically assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, enhancing our understanding of their impact on decision-making and institutional effectiveness.

One notable strength of this book lies in its analysis of power dynamics within higher education institutions. Tierney sheds light on the inherent tensions between different stakeholders, such as faculty members seeking autonomy and administrators aiming for centralized control. He also explores the influence of external forces, such as policymakers and accreditation agencies, on academic governance.

Furthermore, Tierney investigates the consequences of these governance models on crucial issues like faculty tenure, academic freedom, and institutional accountability. He examines how these models shape decision-making processes and the extent to which diverse voices are included in the governance structure.

Overall, "Competing Conceptions of Academic Governance" is an insightful and thought-provoking book that offers a comprehensive examination of the various models of governance in higher education. Tierney's analysis provides valuable insights into the complexities of decision-making processes, power dynamics, and institutional effectiveness. This book serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding and improving academic governance in higher education institutions.

What are readers saying?

"Competing Conceptions of Academic Governance" by William G. Tierney has received a mix of reviews from its readers. The book delves into the diverse perspectives and approaches to academic governance in higher education institutions.

Some reviewers praised the book for its comprehensive analysis of academic governance. They found Tierney's research to be well-reasoned and thought-provoking. The author provides insights into various governance models, ranging from bureaucratic to shared and participatory forms. Readers appreciated this examination of different systems, stating that it enhanced their understanding of the complexities of academic administration.

However, there were readers who felt that the book was overly theoretical and dense. They found it challenging to follow and grasp due to the academic language and concepts employed. A few reviewers also noted the lack of practical examples and case studies, which would have made the content more relatable and applicable.

Despite these criticisms, the book was found to be relevant and valuable to academic professionals and policymakers. Readers in these fields found Tierney's insights beneficial for navigating the dynamics of academic governance in their respective institutions. The author's expertise was praised, and the book was seen as a valuable resource for research and decision-making processes.

Some readers, however, felt that the book was repetitive and overly long. They believed that certain points were reiterated unnecessarily, leading to a sense of tedium. These readers were hoping for a more concise and succinct exploration of the topic, rather than a repetitive analysis.

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