Dimension 1: Influences of University Rankings: Changes in Policy, University Governance and Individual Behaviours

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with how university rankings have influenced stakeholders in the higher education sector of Taiwan at policy, institutional and individual levels respectively. In regard to policy responses, the chapter delineates that financial resources are concentrated on twelve universities through the launch of the “five-year-fifty-billion” program. The Taiwanese government clearly states its goal of building a world-class university through promoting research excellence and internationalisation in the selected universities. It aims that at least one Taiwanese university would become the world’s top 100 through the program. From the government perspective, this policy of building skyscrapers is an effective way of enhancing the national prestige as well as the overall quality of the higher education system. Nevertheless, the policy has also resulted in a steep stratification and differentiation in Taiwan’s higher education system. As revealed by field evidences, the prevalence of a ranking movement in Taiwan has bred a research-oriented culture that has substantially intensified competition among universities. This zero-sum-game causes unhealthy competition and inequality in higher education. In the climate of competition, some respondents report that their teaching duties have been significantly affected. This academic drift is considered as an unintended but harmful impact of rankings.