Autonomy and private higher education in China

This study explores the notion of autonomy in the dynamics of private higher education in China. Focusing on the role and function of autonomy in the operation of private institutions of higher education, it examines the evolution of government policy, documents the recent rapid development of private post-secondary institutions, and investigates the quality of the relationships between private institutions, their communities, society and government.Data were collected from government sources and from fifty-six private institutions through various methods, including interviews, questionnaires and case studies.Qualitative analysis of the data revealed different dimensions, perceptions, and patterns of autonomy in these institutions.The study found that institutional autonomy has generally promoted efficiency and flexibility in the operation of these institutions and allowed adaptability and responsiveness to changing social and economic conditions which in turn, have enabled private higher education to contribute significantly to the on-going transformation of Chinese society. However, such autonomy is subject to both external internal constraints and problems, including some restrictive government policies, the lack of financial resources and inexperience in private school operation