ABSTRACT
This chapter explores international models of governance and specifically whether any underlying principles guide and shape the governance of higher education institutions in their different policy, accountability, cultural and operating environments. It examines three contrasting countries, India, China and South Africa, illustrates the differences and similarities in governance structures and systems, and highlights current levels of engagement with issues of governance, accountability and autonomy. The increasing autonomy of higher education systems and the encouragement of market forces signal an opportunity for institutions to incorporate good governance practices into their governance processes. Governance is largely devolved to individual, self-directing, autonomous institutions with charitable status, working mainly within non-statutory codes and frameworks. The degree to which central government has actually released control and is allowing autonomy over key appointments and the shape of governance remains uncertain. The changing landscape of accountability structures in the UK potentially creates an opportunity for the adoption of universal principles of good governance.
