我国高校趋同化现象的理论解释——新制度主义的视角

Institutional Isomorphism in China's Higher Education:A Theoretical Explanation from the Perspective of Neo-institutionalism

在我国高等教育大众化进程中,出现了较严重的高校趋同化现象。虽然目前对这种趋同化现象所带来的后果还不能作出最终判决,但作为一种已经出现并在不断强化着的现象,则需要我们从理论上作出解释。组织社会学的新制度主义认为,在不确定的环境中,组织为了生存和发展,其外部形态、内部结构、运行模式等会在环境的逼迫和诱导下走向趋同,这是组织追求合法性的表现。我国高等教育大众化阶段出现的高校趋同化现象,正是高校在竞争激烈、环境不确定的情况下寻求合法性的本能反应。深刻认识和正确分析高校这种趋同性,对优化高等教育生态环境具有重要意义。

There has appeared a serious institutional isomorphism in the process of higher education expansion in China. Though its impacts have not been known, it is highly necessary for us to give a theoretical account to such a phenomenon which is still gaining momentum. According to the neo-institutionalism in organizational sociology, in order to have a better development, an organization, may be coerced and induced by the uncertain environment to change its shape, structure, and mode of operation, thus institutionally acquiring isomorphism ; this loudly speaks of its pursuit of legitimacy. The institutional isomorphism in our country＇s higher education expansion is actually an instinctive reaction to the fierce competition for legitimacy in a volatile situation. The understanding of this institutional isomorphism is crucial for the improvement of the ecological environment of higher education.