Entraves e desafios para a efetivação da governança administrativa nas IES: um estudo comparativo entre a Universidade de Melbourne, a Universidade de Campinas e a Universidade Federal do Pará (Brasil - Austrália)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the administrative governance of the University of Melbourne (UNIMELB) in Australia, the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), these two in Brazil, through a comparative study, based on analytical categories of financial autonomy, control, model and decision-making logic. The research was carried out through a specific literature review, using Niklas Luhmann's Theory of Self-Referential Systems as theoretical-methodological support. A mixed approach (quali quanti) was applied, using semi-structured interviews and documentary research as an instrument for data collection, interpreted through content analysis. As main results, it was identified that the three universities have predominant characteristics of the “Stakeholders” governance model, with UNIMELB moving towards an “Entrepreneur” model. The three institutions have characteristics predominantly of the bureaucratic decision-making model, but Brazilian universities still use secondary codes when it comes to appointments to senior management positions, which can directly impact the use of overcodes. The need to argue the selected choice was evident in all HEIs, thus generating differences in the system. With regard to financial autonomy, UFPA and UNICAMP do not have diversification of sources of resources, depending mostly on public resources, as a consequence of a poor relationship with the productive sector and administrative decisions that are inoperative in relation to increasing this autonomy. With regard to the control category, UFPA stood out, followed by UNIMELB and UNICAMP, the latter with problems to be overcome in relation to transparency and internal and external audits. Making a parallel between the theoretical framework and the analytical categories, an “ideal model” for university governance in the administrative area was purposefully outlined. It was concluded that governance in the three universities needs improvement in at least one of the analyzed categories. Brazilian HEIs need to focus on policies aimed at greater diversification of financial resources; correct communication codes with other systems making decision making more adequate and; finally, UNIMELB and UNICAMP need to improve actions involving control.