Research On The Impact Of University Rankings On Stakeholders

University rankings are closely linked to the construction of world-class universities.University rankings interpret the characteristics of world-class universities,while the functions of world-class universities are expressed through university rankings.However,university rankings are frequently paradox in the aspects of social identification varying on ranking methods,indicators and processes,in addition that outcome and activities of university rankings deeply affect potential users from different levels.Based on the above,this paper analyzes the significant theoretical and practical value of differences in potential utility for the correct understanding and usage of university rankings.Concentrating on the impact of university rankings,this study attempts to make analysis and comparison of the impact of university rankings and put forward rational suggestions for usage of university ranking from the perspectives of stakeholders,adopting the methodology of survey,comparative research as well as historical research,combining with the basic principles of fourth-generation educational evaluation theory.Three stages were undergone by university rankings,that is,origin,development and maturity.From the perspective of educational evaluation,university rankings are derived from the requirements of understanding and describing university,thus providing information on running the university for society.However,the evaluation of universities has become a critical goal of university rankings due to the demand for university competition and schooling.Recently,with the process of globalization and democratization,it has forced the university rankings to offer more services and information because of more stakeholders being involved.In terms of educational evaluation theory,different effects on stakeholders have been taken place by university rankings.When it comes to the colleges and universities,university rankings are conducive to organizational revolution and exchanges and cooperation,and are bad for the distribution of school resources and balanced development between universities.When it refers to the government and society,not only providing related information and services and facilitating policy development and strategy implementation would be benefited from university ranking,but alienating thecompetition of colleges and universities as well as hindering the interests of different groups.When it refers to the students,there is a clear correlation between university rankings and student groups.Thus,Theoretical research and empirical research based on the influence of university rankings are conducive to the rational application of university rankings by stakeholders,and also to the realization of the goal of building world-class universities and first-class disciplines(referred to as "Double first-class").As a research perspective,the "fourth generation education evaluation theory" directly confronts the complexity of university ranking phenomenon and interprets the university ranking as an interactive feature of educational evaluation.However,the impact of university rankings is difficult to quantify.The application of empirical research in this paper needs to be deepened,which is worthy of our continuous research and reflection.