This article analyzes the experience of change and modernization in higher education management by looking at the relation between initiatives, propositions and accomplishment of projects. This takes into account the standard of culture values which makes the process of change easy or not. As a result, two proposals prepared for the modernization of the State University of the Southwest of Bahia (Uesb) were researched between 1999 and 2001. The case study was based on the documental analysis and interviews with the manager engaged in the projects. The interpretation of information collected reveals that the culture values and standards of procedure of the actors influence relevantly the organizational and traditional structures and make the changes viable. The way how the actors perceive the meaning of change and the deep-rooted values establish the limits and the level of attainment of modern initiatives for management.
management; university; culture; modernization
