Institutional Logic and Practical Thinking of Higher Education Management Innovation

Abstract

This study critically examines the institutional logic and practical transformation of higher education management in the context of globalization, digitalization, and governance modernization. Contemporary universities are increasingly influenced by managerial reforms, performance-oriented evaluation systems, digital governance technologies, and global ranking competition, resulting in profound structural changes in university governance. Drawing upon institutional logic theory and theories of practical rationality, this paper analyzes the coexistence and conflict of academic, administrative, market, and technological logics within higher education institutions. The study further explores major governance contradictions, including administrative expansion, academic marginalization, managerialism, technological alienation, and institutional homogenization. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes several practical pathways for higher education management innovation, including collaborative governance, human-centered educational management, ethical intelligent governance, and localized governance reform within the Chinese context. Finally, the study discusses future governance trends emphasizing ecological governance, adaptive governance, and value reconstruction. The paper argues that higher education governance innovation should not merely pursue efficiency and technological advancement, but should ultimately preserve educational humanity, academic autonomy, and social responsibility.