Financing the pursuit of prestige: Finding relationships between prestige-generating expenses and changes in USNWR rank
by Gernhart, Kelly J., Ed.D., UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, 2009, 99 pages; 3355087

Abstract:

This study examined relationships between institutional expenditures for prestige-generating activities and changes in USNWR rankings. Research related to striving and prestige in higher education defined which expenditures were included in the analysis. Results enhance existing research by examining how well these theory-based groupings are related to striving behaviors in both private and public institutions.

Resource-dependence theory (Pfeffer & Salancik, 1978) and institutional theory (DiMaggio & Powell, 1983) formed a framework for investigating institutional motivations and methods for the pursuit of prestige. The results of the research questions demonstrate how these two theories interact to shape institutional decision making in public and private institutions.

Findings showed a statistically significant relationship between changes in USNWR rankings and the percentages of resources allocated to administrative support and infrastructure activities for public institutions. Future research is suggested to develop improved methods of analyzing institutional spending and markets for gaining prestige.
 
AdviserSusan Twombly
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
SourceDAI/A 70-04, p. , Jul 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEducation finance; Educational administration; Higher education
Publication Number3355087
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