Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Studies in higher education |
| Early online date | 5 Feb 2025 |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 5 Feb 2025 |
Abstract
The article introduces a conceptual framework for analyzing competition in higher education, with a focus on competing as action. Drawing on Georg Simmel's sociological insights and behavioral decision theory, the framework captures key elements of competition. It distinguishes between observing and four forms of courting: performing, strategic informing, influencing valuation criteria, and attracting attention. To demonstrate its potential, the paper applies the framework to the German higher education system, particularly focusing on universities’ competition for third-party funding. This conceptual approach opens up avenues for comparative investigations of various forms of competition, enabling an analysis of both similarities and differences in the competitive actions of different actors within higher education, as well as across systems. The framework provides a valuable tool for exploring the complexity and multiplicity of competition in higher education and beyond.
Keywords
- Comparative research, Conceptual framework, Multiple competition, Organizations, Universities
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Education
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In: Studies in higher education, 05.02.2025.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Competing
T2 - an analytical framework and application in higher education
AU - Kosmützky, Anna
AU - Meier, Frank
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
PY - 2025/2/5
Y1 - 2025/2/5
N2 - The article introduces a conceptual framework for analyzing competition in higher education, with a focus on competing as action. Drawing on Georg Simmel's sociological insights and behavioral decision theory, the framework captures key elements of competition. It distinguishes between observing and four forms of courting: performing, strategic informing, influencing valuation criteria, and attracting attention. To demonstrate its potential, the paper applies the framework to the German higher education system, particularly focusing on universities’ competition for third-party funding. This conceptual approach opens up avenues for comparative investigations of various forms of competition, enabling an analysis of both similarities and differences in the competitive actions of different actors within higher education, as well as across systems. The framework provides a valuable tool for exploring the complexity and multiplicity of competition in higher education and beyond.
AB - The article introduces a conceptual framework for analyzing competition in higher education, with a focus on competing as action. Drawing on Georg Simmel's sociological insights and behavioral decision theory, the framework captures key elements of competition. It distinguishes between observing and four forms of courting: performing, strategic informing, influencing valuation criteria, and attracting attention. To demonstrate its potential, the paper applies the framework to the German higher education system, particularly focusing on universities’ competition for third-party funding. This conceptual approach opens up avenues for comparative investigations of various forms of competition, enabling an analysis of both similarities and differences in the competitive actions of different actors within higher education, as well as across systems. The framework provides a valuable tool for exploring the complexity and multiplicity of competition in higher education and beyond.
KW - Comparative research
KW - Conceptual framework
KW - Multiple competition
KW - Organizations, Universities
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85217172335&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/03075079.2025.2455425
DO - 10.1080/03075079.2025.2455425
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85217172335
JO - Studies in higher education
JF - Studies in higher education
SN - 0307-5079
ER -