Approximation to a model of governance in public universities of the province of Pichincha of Ecuador

Abstract

In the last decade, Ecuador's higher education system observes substantial changes, whose dynamics has stressed marked transformations within universities. This work follows the research from the perspective of internal governance, to make an approach to the prevailing models in universities involved in the study. The analysis considers a systemic approach, where the term governance is associated with the government's ability to define the work of higher education institutions and forms of internal organization to fulfill the role granted. The study is documentary type eminently qualitative, based on sources of information obtained from official websites of universities and various higher education organizations. In a complementary manner, a questionnaire was applied through a survey to advisers from the same institutions to confirm or contrast the conclusions generated. The principles of governance considered in the study are autonomy, academic freedom, accountability, participation and institutional representation. The results show that the control mechanisms implemented by the State influence within universities and shape differences in models exercised governance.