| The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to describe and understand the implementation of higher education mergers in China. The Chinese higher education system had been characterized by an excessive specialization of higher education institutions under the state-planned economy which had led to an overall ineffective and inefficient system. As China transforms to a socialist market economy, the government has undertaken higher education mergers at an immense scale to restructure the system by bringing together small and specialized institutions to form larger and more comprehensive universities. There is however, a lack of understanding on the merger process and how it can be related to post-merger performance. This study employed theoretical perspectives on organization and environment, policy implementation, and organization and leadership, and integrated these theories into one conceptual model to study the implementation of higher education mergers. Two pairs of mergers were examined, one motivated strongly and primarily by resource considerations while the other driven strongly and primarily by institutional factors. The study looked at the rationale, process and post-merger performance of these two cases of mergers. Data collection involved interviews with government officials, institutional administrative and teaching personnel and students as well as documents from the government, the institutions and the press.;The study revealed the interplay of the government, the institutions, and the external environment in the merger process and development. Regardless of whether the merger was a top-down or a bottom-up initiative, ultimately the government prevailed. Without the approval or push from the government, mergers would have been difficult to realize. Constituencies may experience uncertainty and anxiety in the beginning of the merger; however, when they believe the change could bring about better conditions and academic prestige, they are more optimistic. Merger is an opportunity for institutional growth, especially when complemented with favorable external conditions. Higher education mergers in China happened in a time when the entire higher education system was experiencing expansion. Enhanced funding and expanded enrollment have facilitated the merger process and allowed institutions to experience few conflicts and overall positive post-merger performance. |
