Performance Funding in Higher Education: Exploring Perceptions of Accountability Policies

Abstract

As states continue to implement and strengthen accountability policies in higher education, there is considerable debate over whether these policies are an appropriate use of political authority and whether these policies will actually have any effect on the operation of institutions. This paper takes the first step toward understanding the relationship between policy and practice by examining how the design of accountability policies affects presidents’ perceptions of the legitimacy and effectiveness of these policies. To test this relationship, this study combines data from a survey of university presidents with data on the design and implementation of accountability policies, while controlling for important institutional characteristics. Findings suggest that presidents consider accountability efforts to be more appropriate and more effective in states that have more comprehensive accountability plans. Whether the accountability policy links outcomes to funding does not predict perceptions of appropriateness or current influence, but it does increase presidents’ beliefs that they will be more influential in the future.provided by author.