Those who walk the talk: the role of administrative professionals in transforming universities into strategic actors

Abstract

The group of administrators working in the Swedish higher education sector is undergoing considerable change. National statistics show that the average educational level is increasing and that more staff are being recruited from the private sector. This article discusses the implications of such changes on life and work in academia. In particular, it points to a link between new administrative roles and new demands placed on universities to become more coherent, goal-oriented organisations Á so-called strategic actors. The article builds on national statistics and an in-depth interview study of administrative professionals from the areas of internationalisation, business liaison and research funding support, at three technical universities in Sweden. The study indicates that administrative professionals can have considerable impact on the management of a university. Lacking formal decision-making power, their influence tends to be indirect. Nevertheless, they can fulfil important roles as guardians of a holistic perspective, reminding internal stakeholders of the organisational aims of the university. Their role requires a set of competences and experiences that includes academic background as well as an attitude of self-reflection, sensitivity and judgement. In conclusion, it is argued that administrative professionals can play a crucial part in transforming universities into strategic actors. Their function merits more attention as it touches upon important issues of power and strategic direction in contemporary higher education.

Talent Management, Employee Recognition and Performance in the Research Institutions

“…Meanwhile, the continuously changing work environment and stakeholders' expectations put them under extreme pressures to keep current on these changes, developments and to improve work performance (Lumby and Foskett, 2016). Karlsson and Ryttberg (2016) studied the role of superiors and leaders in transforming universities into 'strategic actors'. They argued that there is an going awareness regarding improving performance in educational institutions, which "have consequences for life and work in academia.…”

Performance in Higher Education Institutions and Its Variations in Nordic Policy

“…These 'administrative assessment exercises' have been undertaken with the same methodology as the evaluations of education and research, making use of panels of experts, both academics and professional support staff. The balance between central and local administrative support, digitalisation, efficiency and effectiveness and new roles and competency needs for administrative staff have been recurrent themes in these evaluations (Karlsson and Ryttberg 2016).…”

Tidslojalitet

“…Att en sådan förändring skett och sker är välbeforskat, såväl gällande arbetslivet generellt (se exempelvis Allvin, Aronsson, Hagström m.fl. 2006;Naswall, Hellgren & sverke 2008;Forssell & Westerberg 2014) som inom akademin (se exempelvis Karlsson & Ryttberg 2016;Friberg 2015) och annan offentlig verksamhet (Karlsson 2010). Det är en del i en större trend kring arbetsförhållanden där vad som görs och när det görs i högre grad styrs av den anställde (Naswall, Hellgren & sverke 2008).…”