Skip to main content
Log in

Strategies for change in higher education: Three political models

  • Published:
Higher Education Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This article describes three models which give insight into the factors that promote or inhibit change in institutions of higher education: a structural model; a social model; and a personal model. Although each offers a distinctive perspective, a number of recurrent themes are identified where the models support and complement one another. The usefulness of the three models in practice is illustrated by analysing how they might help in a possible innovation - the rapid expansion of Continuing Education in a traditional university.

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

  • Argyris, C. (1982). Reasoning, Learning and Action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Argyris, C. and Schon, D. (1974). Theory in Practice: Increasing Professional Effectiveness. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becher, T. and Kogan, M. (1980). Process and Structure in Higher Education. London: Heinemann.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, B. and Ostergren, B. (1977). Innovations and Innovation Processes in Higher Education. Stockholm: National Board of Universities and Colleges.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg, B. and Ostergren, B. (1979). “Innovation processes in higher education,” Studies in Higher Education 4: 261–268.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boud, D. and McDonald, R. (1981). Educational Development through Consultancy. Guildford: Society for Research into Higher Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, B. R. (1983). “The contradictions of change in academic systems,” Higher Education 12: 101–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, M. D. and March, J. G. (1974). Leadership and Ambiguity: The American College President. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, J. L. and Morgan, A. W. (1982). “The politics of institutional change,” in L. Wagner (ed.), Agenda for Institutional Change in Higher Education. Guildford: Society for Research into Higher Education, pp. 153–188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellstrom, P-E. (1983). “Four faces of educational organisations,” Higher Education 12: 231–241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, W. and Rutherford, R. J. D. (1984). “Recommendations for learning: rhetoric and reaction,” Studies in Higher Education 9: 17–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Havelock, R. G. (1973). The Change Agent's Guide to Innovation in Education. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Educational Technology Productions.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heller, J. F. (1982). Increasing Faculty and Administrative Effectiveness. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hewton, E. (1982). Rethinking Educational Change: A Case for Diplomacy. Guildford: Society for Research into Higher Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindquist, J. (1978). Strategies for Change. Berkeley, California: Pacific Soundings Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathias, H. S. and Rutherford, R. J. D. (1983). “Decisive factors affecting change: a case study,” Studies in Higher Education 8: 45–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rutherford, R. J. D. (1982). “Developing university teaching: a strategy for revitalisation,” Higher Education 11: 177–191.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Rutherford, D., Fleming, W. & Mathias, H. Strategies for change in higher education: Three political models. High Educ 14, 433–445 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00136515

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00136515

Keywords

Navigation