Anatomy of Decision Making in Higher Education Institutions: A Quantitative Analysis of Data Use for Change Management at One of the Largest University System in the United States

Higher education institutions have unique and distinct characteristics that can facilitate or impede transformational change and decision-making. U.S. higher education has grappled with institutional effectiveness for years. One of the essential parts of institutional effectiveness is the ability and willingness to use data to make quality decisions. The aim of this study was to understand the anatomy of decision-making in higher education institutions. This study provided insight into what aspect of higher educational institutions impacts use of data for decision-making. Data were gathered through a survey instrument administered to mid-level decision makers in one of the largest university systems in the United States. Multiple-regression modeling statistics provided the analytical platform for the research. The results indicated that decision makers perceive data use on their campuses was mostly for reporting purposes and data used for decision-making was not part of their university mission or goals. The three distinct characteristics in higher education validating this finding include their shared governance system, their multiple power and authority structure, and their interdependent organizational nature.