How much we know about university internationalization and university autonomy: An exploratory review

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Abstract

In this paper we aim to deepen our theoretical and practical understanding of internationalization of universities by exploring the relationship between university internationalization and university autonomy. It has become an accepted practice for universities to incorporate internationalization in their mission statements and strategic plans. Conventional wisdom suggests that universities should adapt their strategies, resources, and structures and organizations to international environments. However, recent examples of university internationalization failures and withdrawals from international markets raise concerns about the sustainability of university internationalization efforts as well as about the erosion of individual and university-wide autonomy. Herein, we conjecture that the process of university internationalization and its sustainability is determined by the structure and exercise of university autonomy settings at home and in host countries. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify empirical studies that theorize and conceptualize the intersection between university internationalization and university autonomy. We put forward a process model of university internationalization and develop propositions to guide future research at this intersection. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on a phenomenon that has received scant attention in academic research and policy debates, namely sustainability of university internationalization viewed through the lenses of university autonomy.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEUniAM International Conference, Conference Proceedings
PublisherEUniAM International Conference
Publication date21 Nov 2013
Publication statusPublished - 21 Nov 2013
EventEUniAM International Conference on 'A Quest to (Re)Define University Autonomy' - Technical University of Moldova, Technical University of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova, Republic of
Duration: 21 Nov 201322 Nov 2013

Conference

ConferenceEUniAM International Conference on 'A Quest to (Re)Define University Autonomy'
LocationTechnical University of Moldova
Country/TerritoryMoldova, Republic of
CityTechnical University of Moldova, Chisinau
Period21/11/201322/11/2013

Keywords

  • university internationalization
  • university autonomy
  • theory building
  • international business

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