Shared governance and regional accreditation: Institutional processes and perceptions

This qualitative single-case research study was conducted to gain deeper understanding of the institutional processes to address shared governance accreditation criteria and to determine whether institutional processes altered stakeholder perceptions of shared governance. The data collection strategies were archival records and personal interviews. Archival records indicated that efforts to improve shared governance processes included creating an institutional shared governance philosophy statement, principles, and goals, developing or reorganizing institutional structures to improve stakeholder representation and communication, and administering a shared governance survey. The shared governance survey was a modified version of the AAUP's Indicators of Sound Governance (2001) survey instrument. Stakeholder perceptions of shared governance were acquired through personal interviews with board members, administrators, faculty, and staff at the select university. Personal interviews revealed that organizational structures were designed to facilitate stakeholder representation and participation in governance processes. However, communication, trust, and relationships are necessary to fully operationalize shared governance. Shared governance must be embraced and consistently demonstrated at the highest leadership levels to develop a culture of strong shared governance throughout the institution. This research study provides an educational lesson that will benefit higher education institutions examining shared governance practices and accreditation criteria.a.