Models for mergers in higher education

Abstract

References to possible combinations of higher education institutions in the CHE report on the size and shape of higher education (30 June 2000) have spawned a debate on the issue, as well as responses from and internal actions in higher education institutions, that range from aggressive through defensive to strongly resisting. As it is highly unlikely that no combinations whatsoever will be effected, it is valuable to investigate a combination/merger scenario. This article provides some basic information on various models for merging institutions/ companies, that has been sourced from the literature regarding the private sector. The appropriateness of each model to the current higher education context must be extrapolated by reconfiguration of the information. Apossible model for higher education mergers, based on such extrapolation, is presented against the background of the National Plan for Higher Education, released on 5 March 2001. One of the advantages of this exercise is to contribute to the demystifying of the concept of mergers, i.e. “exorcising the ghost”.


(South African Journal of Education: 2001 21(4): 273-279)