Expert’s opinions on the dual role problem in Ecuadorian universities

Abstract

Taking into consideration Ecuadorian reality in higher education matters, following the dramatic paradigm shift in recent years, this paper has the objective to present the perception of Ecuadorian experts in managing university institutions, particularly on the problems regarding the dual role. The analysis is done on the theoretical basis of the principal agent contractual approach, also known as agency theory, which covers the contractual relationships at the top of the organizational management. From the methodological point of view, this research and its results are exploratory in nature, based on a sample obtained under the Probabilistic assumption, with an estimated error of 7% and a 97% confidence; which involved surveying 248 experts. Among the main results, it can be highlighted the identification of a third role that the rector plays in the government of some universities as a result of the Ecuadorian law, and also, the importance that experts attribute to the figure of the rector, to the point of legitimizing the double role it plays. The results presented here in lead to ponder about the required characteristics that the rectors need to perform their work efficiently.