Governance in Higher Education Institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the reality of Send feedback governance in higher education institutions in the GCC countries through a literature review methodology. The goal is to identify the degree of governance implementation, analyze the research methodologies used, and uncover research gaps in this area. The study relied on an analysis of 13 scientific studies selected based on a set of specific scientific criteria. The results showed that the degree of governance implementation in GCC higher education institutions generally ranges between medium and high, with a predominance of medium levels, particularly in studies focusing on Saudi universities. Some studies in Qatar and Kuwait, however, demonstrated high levels of implementation. The study also revealed a degree of homogeneity in the dimensions addressed in the literature, namely transparency, accountability, participation, fairness, and efficiency, while acknowledging variations in the level of implementation of these dimensions within different institutions. The results also revealed the dominance of quantitative approaches in previous studies, with the vast majority relying on descriptive survey methods using questionnaires, in contrast to a clear scarcity of qualitative studies, which did not exceed one. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a geographical disparity in scientific output, with the majority of studies concentrated in Saudi Arabia, followed by Oman, while research presence was limited in both Qatar and Kuwait. The study recommends expanding the use of qualitative and mixed methodologies, conducting comparative studies among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and promoting geographical balance in scientific production. This would contribute to building a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of governance practices and their role in developing the performance of Gulf higher education institutions.