by Julian Salisbury

Created on: April 15, 2008   Last Updated: April 16, 2008

Those who criticise Colleges for their corporate ethos argue that organisations cannot pursue the socially worthy objective of being a learning institution, if they are also bound by a reason detre that pursues profit. So, for these left of centre critics, the two objectives are mutually exclusive.

Utopian vision of College

The true learning institution should be insulated from the harsh realities of capitalism and competitive free market economics. Classes should be small so as to give the lecturer a chance to spend quality one to one time with the learner and staff should not be over burdened with too many classes. They should be afforded plenty of time to prepare, conduct research, attend developmental opportunities and carryout their work experience. Administrative tasks should not be too onerous as professionals are paid to teach, not fill out forms and there should be a liberal number of clerical staff in situ. Only if these circumstances are met can students receive a quality education and reach their full potential.

College as a Corporation

Conversely, the corporate College is largely uncaring as it seeks to maximise profits and the bottom line, whilst students are simply a means to that end. Classes should be crammed to the rafters as this reduces infrastructure and staffing costs and lecturers should have as many classes as Health and Safety law will allow. Monopolising a highly paid professional through one to one contact fails to make business sense and as such, this practice should be discouraged by management. Preparation should be carried out during the evenings and weekends and staff should be encouraged to attain additional qualifications during the holidays at their own expense. As the obtaining of further credentials is in their own career interests, that should be plenty of motivation for them to make the necessary efforts during their already lengthy holidays. Finally, Colleges should seek to diversify and maximise their revenue streams by tendering for as much employer training as possible and charging students for services wherever practicable.

The Golden Age Thesis

Yet these left of centre critics who point to the allegedly pathogenic effect of business principles on education, contrive both typologies in the forlorn hope of a return to a bygone era that never existed.

To follow their objectives would lead to financial suicide; would be an almost criminal waste of resources and would clearly abandon even the most nominal attempt to secure value

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