The transformative power of research evaluation: effects on University governance and practices

The paper investigates how research evaluation, and the use of specific quantitative tools for the assessment purposes, is likely to transform universities into more complete organizations, affecting hierarchy and rationality. The research questions are: is evaluation, by the way of research evaluation, transforming the hierarchies within the universities and the control mechanisms? How evaluation is affecting the vertical diversity within and between universities? We expect research evaluation emerges as a powerful means used by the leadership in order to reinforce the universities as professional organizations, reducing the collegiality; at the same time we expect signals of internal resilience aimed at securing the maintenance of the existing power distribution. The paper comparatively investigates how the different levels perceive the relationships of the universities with the national agencies for evaluation; these perceptions will be compared to other information about the use, and the degree of relevance of evaluation in terms of leadership (Rector level), government (Board, Senate and Administration), and in terms of results in practices (Middle Management level). Besides this scheme, some light could be shed on the modes of impact of research evaluation to steer the universities