Remodeling Shared Governance: Feminist Decision Making and Resistance in Academic Neoliberalism

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2017

Abstract

The "shared governance" model was conceived to attempt to respect the interests of external and internal groups, even when criticism flows at a constant rate. The phrase shared governance is so hackneyed that it is becoming what some linguists call an "empty" or "floating" signifier, a term so devoid of determinate meaning that it takes on whatever significance a particular speaker gives it at the moment. Some material and ideological shifts that promoted a more transparent governance process included regular clear and specific updates about governance, creation of a blog, transparent calls for committee and leadership positions, increase in dialogic meeting time, and open access to information. Last, at all levels of academic governance, control of the narrative—and control of the discourse—shapes material and ideological dimensions. A feminist shared governance model may mean importing and reimagining traditional labor practices in ways that preserve the traditional principles of dialogue, engagement, governance by expertise rather than position, and collaboration of equals.

ISBN

9781138696846

Publication Title

Surviving Sexism in Academia: Strategies for Feminist Leadership

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