| This dissertation is a case study of the shift from a state-control model to a state-supervision model of governance in Chinese higher education between 1985 and 2002. The researcher examines major education laws and policies that were adopted and implemented and the policy environments, including the political, cultural, and economic systems, in which they were formulated. Particular attention is given to the decentralization of public administration and the development of a market oriented economic system.; An analysis of the activities and strategies undertaken by government agencies as well as higher education institutions in response to the enactment of these education laws and policies demonstrates a significant trend towards the decentralization of decision-making in higher education in such areas of internal finance, lower-level personnel management, and collaboration with the private industry. However, the self-regulation of higher education institutions was still limited in those areas concerned with admissions, the establishment of academic programs, and the selection of top administrative officials in higher education institutions.; Compared to the period before 1985 when the state-control model of governance was dominant in higher education, by 2002, the more decentralized state-supervision model prevailed. This state-supervision model of governance has had positive impact on the development of higher education in terms of participation and efficiency. However, it also resulted in problems of affordability and accessibility as well as the uneven development of higher education among regions. |
