Merging smaller faculties with larger ones is complex and undesirable. Such a move could lead to ‘a prolonged process that’s met with resistance’, precisely at a time when the university needs to act decisively.
That is one of the recommendations from organisational consultancy firm Berenschot to the University of Groningen (UG) board. UKrant is in possession of this confidential report, titled ‘Problem Analysis Governance’. The report was drawn up a year and a half ago but was only shared with the university council later, and not with the faculty and service councils.
The reason for the investigation is the perception that UG’s current governance model is bureaucratic, sluggish, and lacks decisiveness. There are too many faculties (11) and too many people involved in decision-making, leading to slow and cumbersome processes at times when swift action is needed.
Diverging opinions
Berenschot researchers spoke with dozens of UG employees. Many share the view that the university is too bureaucratic, but opinions differ on how to improve it.
The board of directors has indicated a preference for merging smaller faculties (spatial sciences, philosophy and religion, culture and society) with larger ones (arts, behavioural and social sciences, or economics and business).
But Berenschot advises against this, due to the resistance it would provoke, as stated in the report. ‘At the UG, not everyone sees having many and diverse faculties as a problem, or it’s not seen as the cause of any issues’, Berenschot writes.
Moreover, the consultancy agency notes that there are ‘promising alternatives that could gain broader support’.
Alternative organisation
Berenschot’s alternatives include reorganising the university colleges (Campus Fryslân and UCG), appointing a single point of contact for a cluster of faculties, or merging the back-office operations of smaller faculties.
Based on practices in the corporate world, the report also suggests setting up an executive committee as an option. This would include the board of directors as well as key UG divisions (such as IT and the four deans representing the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medical faculties).
Arthur Mol, former rector of Wageningen University & Research, is currently conducting a study commissioned by UG into the ‘restructuring plans’ for the social sciences, humanities, law, and economics and business faculties (the so-called SSH domain). His recommendation to the board of directors is expected in early July.
No efficiency gains
Two small faculties (spatial sciences and philosophy) spoke out last week against a possible merger. Citing mergers at other Dutch universities, they argue that ‘restructuring’ does not necessarily lead to more effectiveness or efficiency.
At the same time, they warn that the strengths of these small faculties—their unique identity and small scale—are at risk of being lost. ‘Why merge smaller faculties with larger ones when the small ones are already functioning well? Take them as an example instead, or work toward a federation structure’, they wrote.