ABSTRACT
In Germany the notion of the State's responsibility for education is deeply rooted, and is also probably related to the idea of the ruler having power to impose his religion on his subjects. The traditional cornerstone of German educational systems has been the university - a state-established institution for the creation and propagation of intellectual achievement, but based on the ability and effort of individuals. The State is the formal expression of cohesion and political identity. In the German context, the State's formal manifestation may be either the Federal Government or the Land Government or in some instances the Land Government acting as the agent of the Federal Government. The chapter looks at the ambiguity or even conflict which may arise when professional people see themselves in a close relationship with the State embodied in an organisation governing their employment, career, job discipline.
