Publication: The Growing Accountability Agenda in Tertiary Education : Progress or Mixed Blessing?
Date
2009-01
ISSN
Published
2009-01
Author(s)
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine
the accountability agenda in the tertiary education. Author
proposes three principles of good accountability. First,
accountability should not focus on the way institutions
operate, but on the results that they actually achieve.
Second, accountability works better when it is experienced
in a constructive way, rather than being imposed in an
inquisition-like mode. Tertiary education institutions are
more likely to appreciate the value of reporting obligations
if their relationship with stakeholders, especially
government authorities, is based on positive incentives
rather than punitive measures. Third, the most effective
accountability mechanisms are those that are mutually agreed
or are voluntarily embraced by tertiary education
institutions. The paper concludes that the successful
evolution of tertiary education hinges on finding an
appropriate balance between credible accountability
practices and favorable autonomy conditions.
Citation
“Salmi, Jamil. 2009. The Growing Accountability Agenda in Tertiary Education : Progress or Mixed Blessing?. Education Working Paper Series;no. 16. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/18547 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”