Strategic Management Approaches for Improving Educational Quality and Accountability in Public Universities

Abstract

This study examined how strategic management practices (SMPs) influence educational quality and accountability in Ethiopian public universities. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from six universities representing research, applied, and comprehensive types. Quantitative data from 436 respondents and qualitative insights from 26 institutional leaders were integrated to capture both breadth and depth. Findings revealed that well-structured SMPs-particularly strategic planning, resource alignment, performance monitoring, and data-driven decision-making-strongly predict perceived quality and accountability. However, their effectiveness is moderated by contextual enablers such as leadership style, data capacity, and organizational structure. Research universities demonstrated more systematic implementation than applied or comprehensive institutions. Qualitative evidence underscored the importance of participatory leadership, transparent communication, and feedback systems in translating strategy into results. The study concludes that institutionalizing evidence-based strategic management can significantly enhance higher education quality and accountability across diverse university contexts. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers and university leaders aiming to strengthen accountability systems through strategic management.

Keywords: Strategic management, higher education, organizational structure, public universities