Autonomy or Effectiveness:The Reform of the Faculty-level Governance Structure of Norwegian Universities and implications
The value tension between autonomy and efficiency in the governance of Norwegian colleges and institutions is driving structural reforms.Under the influences of European regional integration,policy-driven remote regulation,and an environment that strengthens centralized administrative power,Norwegian universities did not retain the gov-ernance structure that separates academic autonomy from administrative hierarchy.They are using an integrated structure with the faculty board at the core,demonstrating character-istics of transformation in terms of member generation,seat structure,and scope of responsi-bilities.As these institutions have dealt with the tensions between the traditional"bottom-up"autonomy and the hierarchical efficiency of"top-down"approaches,they have accumu-lated experiences in governance structural reform.However,they also face challenges such as the expansion of linear management inhibiting autonomy inertia,the effect of centralized upward administrative management on autonomy,and how to maintain the dynamic balance between seeking autonomy while prioritizing efficiency.Reflecting on the effectiveness of governance structural reforms in Norwegian universities implies the significance of reshap-ing the autonomous foundation of faculty-level governance structures,enhancing legislative support for faculty-level governance structures,and promoting the effective coupling of au-tonomy and efficiency values.