Australian universities in a pandemic world: transforming a broken business model?

Parker, L. D. (2020) Australian universities in a pandemic world: transforming a broken business model? Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change, 16(4), pp. 541-548. (doi: 10.1108/JAOC-07-2020-0086)

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to critique the accounting and financial orientation of Australian universities’ business model to identify the future university financial management and accounting role in universities’ strategic trajectory responding to COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach: Informed by Habermasian perspectives on change, it uses published research into university commercialisation and media commentaries on COVID-19 impacts. Findings: Australian universities have aggressively pursued an accounting-based private sector business model. Their revenue generating reliance on international student revenues has been undermined by the COVIS-19 crisis. Nonetheless, university management clings to their commercialised university identity and role colonised by the accounting structures. Fundamental change requires a reversal of this relationship. Research limitations/implications: Future research must observe and evaluate university strategic crisis reactions and their impacts on national and societal well-being with a view to identifying alternative futures. Practical implications: Universities face decisions concerning their ongoing role in society and their future approach to balancing operational strategies and the accounting influence. Social implications: This study raises the issue of whether universities should continue being seen as an export industry supporting the national economy or as knowledge, educational and social resource for their national and regional communities. Originality/value: This paper integrates research into universities over several decades into a strategic critique of their current reaction to an unprecedented global pandemic.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Parker, Professor Lee
Authors: Parker, L. D.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Accounting and Finance
Journal Name:Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change
Publisher:Emerald
ISSN:1832-5912
ISSN (Online):1839-5473
Published Online:14 October 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 Emerald Publishing Limited
First Published:First published in Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change 16(4): 541-548
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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