Barriers to University Transformation and Factors for Overcoming Them: Perspectives of University Leaders and Experts
https://doi.org/10.15826/umpa.2025.04.035
Abstract
The aim of this article is to analyze the institutional barriers to implementing transformation in universities, as well as the factors enabling their overcoming, through the lens of those leading these processes.
To this end, the author conducted 22 in-depth expert interviews with university leaders (primarily rectors and vice-rectors) participating in the “Priority 2030” program, as well as with experts in higher education management. The interpretation of this qualitative study was grounded in an institutional theoretical framework and employed thematic analysis methodology, which enabled a structured identification of key themes and meanings within managerial discourse. University leaders identified the main barriers to change implementation as: misalignment between new objectives and existing practices, fragmentation and siloed nature of university structures, staff rigidity, symbolic compliance with required activities, and increasing bureaucratization. The factors used to overcome these barriers include: the creation and maintenance of internal communication channels, the managerial resource of rectoral leadership, the legitimization and adoption of project-based management practices, and strategic personnel changes. Particular attention is given to the role of the management
team in strategic stakeholder engagement, where the importance of simultaneously meeting external expectations and articulating an autonomous institutional agenda is emphasized. Thus, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on contemporary university transformation by offering the perspective of those directly responsible for its implementation. The findings may be valuable to higher education researchers and university administrators, as well as to those involved in designing organizational change programs and providing educational or consulting support for their implementation.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: This publication was prepared as part of the Fundamental Research Program of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. The author expresses gratitude to Darya Platonova, Niyaz Gabdarakhmanov, Semyon Yankevich, and Ksenia Romanenko for their assistance in data collection, without which the research would not have been possible
About the Author
V. S. Krestinin
http://umj.ru
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Россия
National Research University Higher School of Economics
Россия
Vladimir S. Krestinin, Research Intern
Project and Educational Laboratory “University Development”
101000; 16 /10 Potaposkiy lane; Moscow
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For citations:
Krestinin V.S. Barriers to University Transformation and Factors for Overcoming Them: Perspectives of University Leaders and Experts. University Management: Practice and Analysis. 2025;29(4):129-143. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.15826/umpa.2025.04.035
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