The Challenges of Governance in the Higher Education Institutions in Palestine: A Case Study on Faculties of Economic and Administrative Sciences in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

This research aims to understand the reality of governance and the important challenges to develop it in the Palestinian universities in the Gaza Strip with focus on the faculty of economics and administrative sciences. Five factors were used to study the phenomena: 1- The availability of clear strategic vision that considers the internal and external environment. 2- Level of balance in the responsibilities of board of directors, executive management and other beneficiaries that ensure performance efficiency and effectiveness. 3- Transparency and sufficient declaration about the financial and non-financial performance. 4- The availability of comprehensive accountant and accountability system and its application on decision makers. 5- The applied systems, policies and procedures in universities to ease the services provided and the interaction with society issues. The research used the case study approach by focusing on describing and analyzing institutional governance in universities in the Gaza Strip. They include, Islamic University of Gaza, Alazhar University and Alaqsa University. The empirical study was mainly relied on the findings of the external evaluation process of the administrative and managerial sciences programs in the Gaza Strip. The field study was conducted during the period September- November 2011. The study came up with many conclusions including: weak balance in holding responsibilities among the three administrative bodies in university (trustee board, university council and stockholders. In addition, there is a weak participation in decision making from management, employees and stakeholders. The study concluded that the Palestinian universities need to adopt practical standards and procedures to apply governance successfully. These standards should be measurable. In addition these standards have to match Arab culture and environment.