Review of governance policies and practices in lebanese higher-education institutions

Effective governance is a key enabler of successful and quality operation of academic institutions. Typically, good governance supports accountability, credibility, transparency, responsiveness, effectiveness and efficiency, inclusiveness, and integrity. Undoubtedly, sustaining the effectiveness of academic institutions challenges the national bylaws, standards, policies, and accordingly the practices that can lead to quality education. In this chapter, the current governance policies and practices at the Lebanese Higher-Education Institutions (HEIs) are explored. In addition, current best practices are highlighted, and the encountered challenges are analysed. The investigation includes the examination of a national policy on institutional high-authority representatives, such as Board of Trustees. The presented investigation is limited to exploring governance policies and practices in Lebanese HEIs. The chapter includes recommended guidelines and measures to improve existing practices. The investigation findings confirm that quality-assurance initiatives in Lebanese HEIs must expand to thoroughly probe the policies and practices of their leadership and governance system. The investigation confirms the need for formally issuing the national resolution on the formation and responsibilities of high authorities, as per article 57 of the higher-education law 285/2014.