The role of accreditation in enhancing good governance of higher educational institutions in Oman

This study examines the role of the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA) in enhancing good governance practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It uses legitimacy and stakeholder theory to examine the impact of OAAAQA requirements on university governance quality and their influence on HEIs. The research uses secondary data from OAAAQA reports, accreditation policies, World Bank governance reports, and HEI governance models of international accrediting bodies. The study also uses a qualitative thematic analysis to categorize governance dimensions based on key principles within OAAAQA governance standards and international models. Key governance principles include transparency, accountability, participation, independence, and responsibility. The thematic analysis aims to identify patterns, strengths, and weaknesses in governance practices across Oman’s HEIs. The findings indicate that the OAAAQA standard emphasizes compliance with national laws and regulations, ensuring sound governance standards, clearly documented and accessible governance systems, reducing corruption, promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability of HEIs. Stakeholder involvement is crucial in decision-making processes and policy formulation. This study contributes to existing research on governance of HEIs, particularly in Oman, and calls for increased board involvement in strategic oversight, improved decision-making processes, balancing autonomy and oversight, investing in academic and research performance, and effective tracking of institutional performance and governance. Long-term and strategic collaboration with external institutions, such as international accreditation bodies, the private sector, and related government bodies, are also recommended for improved good governance practices.