The Chain of Control in Results-based Management in Finnish Universities

Abstract

This chapter deals with the results-based management implemented in Finnish universities as a part of the neo-liberal managerial idea of a “corporate university.” Analyzing the entire chain of control – from the government level (planning) to the university level (performance management) before finally addressing the personnel level (perceptions of control) – the chapter acknowledges the conflicting views of different stakeholders and the potential for confrontation concerning the different goals as reflected by performance measurement. The key findings of the chapter indicate that the chain of control does not function as planned – that the perceptions and intentions of control among stakeholders differ dramatically.