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The government-higher education Institution relationship: theoretical considerations from the perspective of agency theory

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Abstract

This article introduces the agency theory to the field of higher education research. By applying agency theory to the inter-organisational relationship between government and higher education institutions, it is possible to illustrate general problems facing control and governance in a more theoretical and analytical way. The conceptual arsenal provided by the agency theory may benefit various research settings that are related to government-higher education institution relationships. In addition to its descriptive elements, agency theory also provides theoretical explanations for e.g. the establishment of quality assurance systems and performance-based funding procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Higher Education Group (HEG) Department of Management Studies, University of Tampere, Yliopistonkatu 54, Room 321, 33014, Finland

    Jussi Kivistö

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  1. Jussi Kivistö
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Correspondence to Jussi Kivistö.

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Kivistö, J. The government-higher education Institution relationship: theoretical considerations from the perspective of agency theory. Tert Educ Manag 11, 1–17 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-004-7011-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11233-004-7011-y

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