The democratic principles underpinning university management
12 November 2015
BOMAI D WITNE
UNIVERSITIES in Papua New Guinea are established by an act of parliament and other statutes, policies and guidelines that govern their administration.
The governing council and the vice chancellor and pro vice chancellors, who refer to themselves as the top management team, and other senior management have a duty to govern universities within the legislation.
They are required to set high standards in the academic and physical development of a university. They are custodians and fair implementers of the laws that govern the university.
So the council and management of universities occupy a privileged position. The ultimate demand of taxpayers is that university leaders offer transparency and accountability in all that they do.
Universities do not necessarily have to be politically independent but they do require a culture that promotes and instils self-discipline, honesty, integrity and an open, fair, just, transparent and accountable environment for students, staff, management and the governing council.
University staff and students should be role models in embracing democratic ideals and in their awareness of the laws governing and protecting them and others.
Falling short of embracing democratic ideals and respect for rule of law amounts to undesired disruptive behavior, that promotes violence, fear, self-serving, abuse, misuse and mismanagement.
It has been a universal feature for citizens to rise above such background to seek justice and redemption.
It has not only happened in corrupt institutions and societies but happened in well perceived transparent and accountable institutions and societies. It is an inherent behavior of democratic citizens to shake and prevent politicians and managers from burying themselves in complacency and corruption.
There is not a quick, easy and a single way forward in democracies, thus institutions, societies and citizens are often challenged to ideals of democracy and governance that are consistent with change.
It requires a need to create space for open dialogue, reach consensus and map way forward based on the rule of law for the common good of current and future generations.
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