Why Is Governance Research Important for University Reforms in Ukraine?

Abstract

One of the obvious drawbacks to academic reforms in Ukraine has been the lack of systematic research on governance practices and challenges in higher education. The deficiency of empirical data on governance processes is unsurprising in the context of Soviet legacy. Indeed, many Soviet-style universities lack the tradition and experience of doing research on themselves for either internal use or for public reporting. Post-totalitarian academic communities are particularly vulnerable when faculty members are afraid to share their views and opinions, especially regarding the holders of senior positions on whom their tenure depends. The article is an attempt to answer the following questions: What can be done to change the organizational culture in post-Soviet universities and steer it toward self-reflection and critical inquiry? What kind of policy research may be needed to change the university governance from an authoritarian model that advocates for selection of personnel on the basis of loyalty, to a self-regulated system that promotes and celebrates academic merit?