Accountability and autonomy of New Zealand universities

Abstract

This thesis examines the interaction between the autonomy of universities and their accountability to the state and argues that universities must achieve accountability as a precondition to maintaining autonomy. Using Lane's (1981) typology of autonomy it develops a set of frameworks for analysing autonomy and accountability and, in particular, the latter's effect on the former. Applying these in the specific context of New Zealand universities it concludes that threats to autonomy come from the government exerting control over universities directly rather than from the universities' accountability relationship with the government, which has been weak. It argues that by strengthening accountability, universities reduce the reasons for the government to exert control directly. Of the different modes of accountability available, performance accountability through performance measures and accountability through markets are modern governments' preferred options. The thesis argues that the latter is inconsistent with the mission and values of the university, and that by developing strong performance accountability relationships, universities can avoid the greater threats posed to their autonomy by direct controls and market accountability.