Navigating the dynamics of higher education through organisational and management theories

Abstract

This chapter introduces the reciprocal relationship between higher education institutions (HEIs) and organisational and management theories, tracing the field's evolution from foundational concepts such as resource dependence and institutional logics to contemporary concerns with resilience, identity and governance. Against a backdrop of global transformation – including technological, geopolitical and societal shifts – the chapter underscores the urgent need for robust theoretical frameworks to navigate complexity within HEIs. It outlines the objectives and origins of the book, which stem from the Tampere–Peking Lecture Series, and positions the book as both a scholarly and practical guide for understanding the sector's challenges. By highlighting the relevance, adaptability and limitations of organisational theories in higher education, the chapter lays the groundwork for critical engagement with subsequent contributions. The book aims to bridge the gap between theoretical rigour and actionable insight, supporting diverse stakeholders in fostering institutional resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.