The History of the Southern African Association for Institutional Research

Abstract

History is important because it teaches us about the past. And by learning about the past you come to understand the present, so that you may make educated decisions about the future. Richelle Mead This quotation, by fantasy author Richelle Mead, encapsulates a common understanding of the role of history and its importance. It is likely to resonate strongly with many individuals and organisations who are seeking to understand their history. In an article in the Harvard Business Review, Seaman & Smith (2012:1) draw attention to a contrasting view, foregrounding the importance of the future, which asserts that, "There is no need to dwell on the past; what matters is the future." Writing in their capacity as business historians, they note that executives often put this view forward. This assertion by business executives appears to be dismissive of history and its role, with more value placed on the future. Seaman & Smith (2012:1) see the value of history in its capacity to help leaders inspire people towards working collectively and argue that leaders who are impatient with history are missing the important truth that a "sophisticated understanding of the past is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future". These views of the history of businesses or enterprises can also be applied to organisations in other sectors like the Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR). According to its constitution, its purpose is to advance institutional research, thereby contributing to the improved operation of higher education institutions in Southern Africa (SAAIR 1994:1). As part of achieving this mandate the SAAIR would need to reflect continually on its history to shape its future. Within the South African context, higher education legislation and policy documents have referred strongly to the country's past history in articulating the need for the transformation of the Higher Education sector following the demise of the oppressive Apartheid system of government (Badat 2010). These include, among others, the Higher Education Act 101