Governance of Transnational Higher Education: A study of Sino-Foreign joint institutes

Student thesis: Phd

Abstract

This thesis examines governance changes in Sino-foreign joint institutes by analyzing policy design at a macro level and policy implementation at an institutional level. The methodology involves reviewing policy documents related to TNHE governance in China to understand the evolution of governance changes over time and the national context of TNHE. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders from both Chinese and international universities, including deans, department heads, administrative staff, and academics, to explore their perceptions of governance implementation from a policy implementation perspective. Neo-institutionalism theory is inherent in the conceptualization of this thesis. Verhoest et al. (2004)'s typology of multi-dimensional governance, and set of indicators by H. de Boer & J. Enders (2017) were adopted as the methodology to contribute conceptual and empirical social understanding of TNHE governance in China changes. The findings show that it is not sensible to overestimate the extent of autonomy being enjoyed by these TNHE operators, especially when centralisation in governance is the large general picture in Sino-foreign joint institutes. However, the hierarchical nature of the state is willing to explore the "best TNHE governance" gradually with convergent changes to some extent and dimensions, particularly in the response to the global market pressure in power reconfiguration. "Economy-driven centralisation" is characterized as a new conceptual understanding of the new national paradigm of TNHE governance in China. In addition, based on the comparative analysis of governance models across countries, global societal and governance evolution follows a convergent pathway to "Harmonious Governance". Empirical findings suggest tension between stakeholders from Chinese and international universities. Specifically, Chinese university deans in Sino-foreign joint institutes assume stronger central leadership roles, diminishing collegial voices through top-down decision-making processes. Additionally, decision-making power from international universities is marginalized, while transnational actors as joint partners are prioritized in financial and structural governance. The thesis contributes by offering guidance for policymakers and practitioners in the TNHE sector, fostering sustainable TNHE partnerships in the future.
Date of Award31 Dec 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Manchester
SupervisorMiguel Antonio Lim (Supervisor), Susie Miles (Supervisor) & Stephen Rayner (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • TNHE
  • Sino-foreign joint institutes
  • China
  • Governance

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