Exploring the forces shaping the modern university – the existential challenges of thought leaders managing the foundational values with the functional drivers – a case study of South Australia

Abstract

This research explores the university across its various elements and dimensions across time but in particular against a context of the modern university – as Scott (1984) poignantly states, the university is the key knowledge institution of modern society. This exploration particularly focusses on the character and nature of the modern university (its ‘idea’ or notion), the drivers of change, the forces, and the enabling responses and reactions to them by universities. The research is conducted through the lens, perspectives of the university leaders of the three South Australian public universities – leaders who understand the nature of the university, its present, and are charged with influencing its future. Their universities are representative of the Australian higher education system. Through this phenomenological study an understanding is developed of the complex interactions between these dimensions (foundations, forces of change, and enabling reactions to change), the actions and strategies that have been evolved by university leaders to achieve balance and seeking equilibrium between these competing forces – the research surfaces a range of emerging underlying models that begin to draw together these practices and strategies. This research underscores the complexity of the university: its complex mission (its foundations), diverse stakeholders, and the ever changing forces for change. Amongst the tensions, our university leaders constantly grapple with a range of questions: including whether the university is a knowledge institution for society or a business? – always seeking to balance academic, and financial viability and sustainability.