A question about accountability - University Boards
During the past decade, many public service institutions have been through major reforms that have changed the overall governance system (Pollitt & Bouckaert 2011). These changes have taken many forms and shapes. One major concern behind many reforms has been the question about accountability and how to make sure that the public institution delivers the services society/politicians want. One model used across different types of institutions is the installation of boards. These boards must make sure that the institution reflects not only the interest of the political system but also secure a connection to the broader society. In other words, they are the connection to the political system as well as to the society. The composition of the boards reflects this objective and includes members from sectors and segments of society relevant to the specific institution. In some cases, the board and the composition of the board is also seen as a way to discipline and control strong professional groups within the public institution.
Boards are also used in relation to the governance of universities. Some countries have had a long tradition with boards as part of the university governance system, while others only recently have implemented boards. The use of boards at universities raises questions about their role vis-à-vis the political system/ministries, their role in the management of the university, the composition of the boards, how and to what extent they reflect society, and how decisions are made (see Gornitzka 2009; Larsen, Maassen & Stensaker 2009; Floyd 1995; Pusser, Slaughter & Thomas 2006; Margison & Consindine 2000; Larsson 2006, Christensen 2012, Bleiklie 2011, Berman 2012).
This paper reports a study of Danish university boards and look specifically on the composition of boards and their role vis-à-vis other parts of the university management.
