Desempenho das universidades brasileiras: um estudo sobre a gestão acadêmica de desempenho institucional

Abstract

Studies on performance in universities usually focus on one-dimensional models. Most of these models are intended to understand the relationships that lead to performance and productivity. However, few studies seek to understand the internal mechanisms of universities that lead to performance. Therefore, the research question of this study emerges: how do the elements responsible for academic performance integrate to generate better academic performance in universities? To answer this question, the general objective of this study was to focus on analyzing how the internal activities of Brazilian universities generate greater academic performance. To achieve this goal, qualitative empirical research was conducted through a multiple case study involving four universities, two of which were public and two private, selected in accordance with their General Course Index (IGC). The performance analysis dimensions (people; strategy; processes) were surveyed through a systematic literature review based on a search regarding performance in universities. Later, 35 interviews were conducted with key informants of the four universities in question. The data were analyzed using directed content analysis based on the identified dimensions and their subcategories. Following the analyses, it was found that the performance of a university is the result of the relationships between six constructs (planning, structured strategy, growth strategy, teacher training, educational processes and teaching model, use of technology and institutional pressures), with the key points being investment in teacher training and the traditional and regular academic model. In addition to clarifying relevant factors to the performance of universities in Brazil, proposals are presented to help explain the institutional mechanisms that seem to stimulate the performance of these higher education institutions. Furthermore, the contribution of the study could be useful to the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research (INEP) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) with regard to the restructuring of the current institutional evaluation format, highlighting the qualitative assessment of higher education institutions.