Focusing on dilemmas challenging reputation management in higher education

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the dilemmas that challenge reputation management in the context of higher education (HE).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces one Finnish multidisciplinary master's degree programme as a case in point. The empirical data comprises a student survey and semi-structured interviews with internal and external stakeholders whose work relates to the master's degree programme in question.

Findings

The findings identify different types of dilemmas arising from collaboration between stakeholders of HE.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates how the dilemma-reconciliation method can be used to enhance reputation management in HE.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper is in applying dilemma theory (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 2000) in parallel with reputation theories. Dilemma theory attributes reputation risks to conflicting aims.

Citation

Suomi, K., Kuoppakangas, P., Hytti, U., Hampden-Turner, C. and Kangaslahti, J. (2014), "Focusing on dilemmas challenging reputation management in higher education", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 461-478. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-04-2013-0046