This theoretical essay focuses on themes concerning the administration of universities. The essayists think through the university administrator's role, offering some criticism on the use of business models that do not observe the characteristics and complexity of academic organizations. On the one hand, the authors criticize the use of rational managerial approaches with an excessive focus on effectiveness and measurable elements, disregarding principles and values that are crucial to the nature of academic organizations. On the other hand, the authors highlight the absence of ready-made administrative models and theories, which meet the specificities of these organizations. The essayists remind that the theory of university administration is still under development, it is based on scientific studies and the analysis of good practices observed in Higher Education institutions. The authors conclude that there is a need for adopting a managerial practice that favors various dimensions with an objective nature and, especially, with a subjective nature, which are known to be difficult to measure and included into the essence of academic work. The adoption of such practices requires administrators who are able to combine technique and art, rationality and intuition.
Universities; Administration; Academic organizations; Measurement.