How to Govern a University Effectively

How do you govern a university to make it effective in the real world? This informative book explores the increasingly complex challenges in governing and managing contemporary universities. Mats Benner demonstrates how institutions can best respond to changing social, economic and political dynamics to ensure their efficient operation and continued growth.Drawing on case studies from leading universities, Benner examines the dual pressures facing higher education institutions today, analysing the role, impact and best practices within both internal and external governance dimensions. He investigates the outward impacts of globalization on academic mobility and exchange, as well as the complexities of navigating bureaucratization. Benner also analyses key aspects of internal management such as fostering originality in research, elevating the prominence of scholars and maintaining high quality facilities. The book highlights the essential role of academic leadership in reconciling these internal and external forces, resulting in a governance framework that addresses the growing concerns of impact, inclusion and sustainability.Contributing to crucial debates on the future of universities, How to Govern a University Effectively is an essential read for scholars and students of higher education studies, business, management, sociology and political science. It is also relevant to university leaders and governance bodies seeking insight on effective university management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Lund University Publications (Lund University)
Published
2026-04-21
Primary Topic
Higher Education Governance and Development
Type
article
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article

How to Govern a University Effectively

Mats Benner
Lund University Publications (Lund University)
Higher Education Governance and Development
article

How to Govern a University Effectively

Mats Benner
article en

Abstract

How do you govern a university to make it effective in the real world? This informative book explores the increasingly complex challenges in governing and managing contemporary universities. Mats Benner demonstrates how institutions can best respond to changing social, economic and political dynamics to ensure their efficient operation and continued growth.Drawing on case studies from leading universities, Benner examines the dual pressures facing higher education institutions today, analysing the role, impact and best practices within both internal and external governance dimensions. He investigates the outward impacts of globalization on academic mobility and exchange, as well as the complexities of navigating bureaucratization. Benner also analyses key aspects of internal management such as fostering originality in research, elevating the prominence of scholars and maintaining high quality facilities. The book highlights the essential role of academic leadership in reconciling these internal and external forces, resulting in a governance framework that addresses the growing concerns of impact, inclusion and sustainability.Contributing to crucial debates on the future of universities, How to Govern a University Effectively is an essential read for scholars and students of higher education studies, business, management, sociology and political science. It is also relevant to university leaders and governance bodies seeking insight on effective university management.

Lund University Publications (Lund University)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Higher Education Governance and Development
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