Skip to main content
Log in

Understanding institutional image

  • AIR Forum Issue
  • Published:
Research in Higher Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

An organization's image is not a clear, concise concept but rather a set of an individual's perceptions about the institution. An educational institution has a multifaceted image that includes academic, social, political, and perhaps stylistic dimensions. We discuss the use of the semantic differential research tool to investigate one institution's image. Specifically, we explore the following questions: (1) What are the differences between the institution's desired image and current image? (2) Do various constituencies view the institution differently? If so, how do alumni perceptions differ from those of current students? Does the institution's internal image differ from its external image?

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Kotler, P, and Fox, K. F. A. (1985).Strategic Marketing for Educational Institutions. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tinto, Vincent (1987).Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Topor, R. S. (1986).Institutional Image: How to Define, Improve, Market It. Washington, DC: Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Terkla, D.G., Pagano, M.F. Understanding institutional image. Res High Educ 34, 11–22 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00991860

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00991860

Keywords

Navigation