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Perverse Audit Culture and Accountability of the Modern Public University

Craig, R.; Amernic, J.; Tourish, D.

Authors

J. Amernic

D. Tourish



Abstract

The audit culture which has developed in public universities has led to counter‐productive outcomes. Managerial oversight of academic work has reached a critical tipping point. Extensive auditing of research output by means of performance management assessment regimes motivated by a New Public Management mentality has damaged individual scholarship and threatened academic freedom. Such assessment regimes are perverse and conducive to the development of psychotic tendencies by universities. It is important to understand the effects of a perverse audit culture when re‐thinking and reforming approaches to university performance management. We suggest ways for public universities to acknowledge the need for accountability while remaining true to core academic purposes.

Citation

Craig, R., Amernic, J., & Tourish, D. (2014). Perverse Audit Culture and Accountability of the Modern Public University. Financial Accountability and Management, 30(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/faam.12025

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Jan 16, 2014
Publication Date 2014-02
Deposit Date May 2, 2019
Journal Financial Accountability and Management
Print ISSN 0267-4424
Electronic ISSN 1468-0408
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 30
Issue 1
Pages 1-24
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/faam.12025
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1302764