Financial resource allocation decision-making in public higher education in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas: A collective case study

This collective case study examined the budgetary decision-making strategies used in allocating finances to public higher education at state and institutional levels in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. It assessed the extent to which these strategies were congruent between levels and determined the decision-making model used. Two distinct views of budgetary decision-making—politically rational and objectively rational-formed the theoretical and analytical framework.; Eleven administrators with financial decision-making authority in two government ministries and two public higher education institutions participated. Data were gathered through interviews, field notes and document analysis. Categories and themes were identified in the data across sites. A within-case analysis, using a traditional narrative case summary, and a cross-case analysis were presented.; The findings revealed politically rational strategies were used to allocate funds to higher education at the state level and within institutions. At both levels, more objectively rational strategies began the process but final allocations seemed to be based on political considerations. These strategies led to calls for efficient fiscal management from state administrators and created financial constraints within institutions. The data strongly suggested the need for budgetary reform to include planning and accountability measures.