STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION: IS THE NEW MANAGERIALISM APPLICABLE TO UNIVERSITIES?

Numerous trends and changes are redefining the shape of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The increase in the number of students, diversification of the teaching and learning processes, new forms of government and sources of funding, mobilization and cooperation between international networks are some of the main factors that HEI must face. Among these are the emergence of Managerialism or New Public Management as an ideology in which public organizations adopt the forms of management, practices and values that are specific to private institutions. There are several consequences arising from insertion of this kind of management, especially with the permanent dilemma between the vertical determinations of managers versus decisions in a collegiate manner by academic staff. This scenario has developed heterogeneously in different parts of the world where the context in which the university acts, plays a fundamental role. Imposition of an ideology born in another context has resulted in more problems than solutions, including breaking traditional schemes and permanently eroding academic freedom and autonomy. Regarding the experience in various countries, autonomous collegiate decision-making still plays an essential role in all university systems