Is it normal for universities to be managed unprofessionally?

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In summary, the article examines the prevalence of unprofessional management practices in universities, questioning whether this is a common issue. It highlights various factors contributing to such management styles, including administrative inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and the unique challenges faced by academic institutions. The discussion suggests that while some level of informality may exist in university governance, persistent unprofessionalism can hinder institutional effectiveness and undermine academic integrity. The article calls for a reevaluation of management practices to foster professionalism and improve overall university performance.
  • #1
Eclair_de_XII
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I'm starting to recover some repressed memories, and I'm recalling some things about the way my alma mater was run.

My university had a satellite passport office within its facilities. A couple years ago, I went to it in order to have a passport card issued to me. I was required to bring some sensitive documentation to the university. The clerk assisting me with the task was... strange, to say the least. She kept treating my documentation with utter lack of regard, leaving it outside the office for anyone to find, pretending to have a thousand better things to do than to help me, and making me recite some pledge or something.

After loudly complaining that her lunch break was postponed, she finally got to helping me. What she did next was... horrifying. She refused to return my documents unless I signed into my university account; she threatened to burn the former. I later discovered that she leaked my documents to a bunch of people, some professors having informed me so after they found me in the library.

When they were informed, the IT department didn't delete the initial leak until hours later, and after much frustrated communication and lack of cooperation. I sort of had too much faith in the institution back then. And I didn't feel like making another bus trip to another office. By some miracle, I didn't have my identity stolen in the five years since this happened.

I have a couple of other horror stories about my non-academic experiences in college. But this was the one that was most salient.
 
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  • #2
I think that what you went by was unacceptable. But aside from that, I think that it is not uncommon for universities to be full of incompetent HR, IT and administrative staff. I find that this lack of competence (might depend on the quality of the university and the way it is funded) is often the result of low wages compared to the private sector. Most of the staff may be replaced often due to the same reason.
 
  • #3
You should seek medical attention.

As Wikipedia says: "Repressed memory is a controversial, and largely scientifically discredited, psychiatric phenomenon." You don't want to be dealing with something like this on your own.
 
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  • #4
That is beyond unacceptable. I've never experienced anything close to that. I'm sorry that happened to you.
 
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  • #6
Vanadium 50 said:
You should seek medical attention.

As Wikipedia says: "Repressed memory is a controversial, and largely scientifically discredited, psychiatric phenomenon." You don't want to be dealing with something like this on your own.
@Eclair_de_XII -- This is very good advice. Please seek medical counseling about this; we are of no help to you on this.

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FAQ: Is it normal for universities to be managed unprofessionally?

Is it common for universities to experience unprofessional management?

While universities strive for professional management, instances of unprofessional behavior can occur. Factors such as budget constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and lack of leadership training can contribute to such issues. However, these instances are generally exceptions rather than the norm.

What are some signs of unprofessional management in universities?

Signs of unprofessional management can include poor communication, lack of transparency, inconsistent policy enforcement, favoritism, and inadequate support for faculty and students. These issues can negatively impact the institution's overall functioning and reputation.

How can unprofessional management affect the quality of education?

Unprofessional management can lead to a decline in the quality of education by causing disruptions in academic programs, lowering staff morale, and reducing the effectiveness of administrative support. This can result in a less engaging learning environment for students and hinder academic progress.

What steps can universities take to improve management practices?

Universities can improve management practices by investing in leadership training, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, implementing clear policies and procedures, and actively seeking feedback from faculty, staff, and students. Regular evaluations and audits can also help identify and address areas of concern.

Are there any successful examples of universities overcoming unprofessional management?

Yes, there are numerous examples of universities that have successfully addressed unprofessional management issues. These institutions often undertake comprehensive reforms, such as restructuring administrative roles, enhancing communication channels, and fostering a collaborative environment. By prioritizing professional development and accountability, they can create a more efficient and supportive educational setting.

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