Evaluating Integrated Governance Practices in Multi-Functional Units of UiTM Perak: Toward Institutional Efficiency and Accountability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37134/kupasseni.vol14.sp.15.2026Keywords:
integrated governance, public university, administrative departments, stakeholder theory, mixed methodsAbstract
This study investigates the execution and perception of integrated governance practices among eight principal administrative departments of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perak Branch. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data from 264 academic and non-academic workers with qualitative insights from nine comprehensive interviews with senior administrators. Quantitative results demonstrate that governance practices are widely regarded as effective and uniform across demographic categories, with no statistically significant variations related to job grade or length of service. Critical domains such as compliance, ethical leadership, and adherence to standard operating procedures reflect the university's dedication to integrity and responsibility. Qualitative findings reveal operational issues such as restricted two-way communication, inconsistent staff participation in decision-making, inadequate digital governance frameworks, and limitations in resource management. The ideas were analysed and interpreted using Stakeholder Theory, Agency Theory, and principles of New Public Management. The study provides specific recommendations that correspond with the Ministry of Higher Education's Higher Education 2025 strategic objective, highlighting leadership development, inclusive planning, and digital transformation. The results enhance the discussion on public sector governance in higher education and offer practical ideas for improving institutional efficacy and stakeholder involvement.
Downloads
References
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Boston: Pitman Publishing.
Ghasemy, M., Hussin, S., Megat Daud, M. A. K., Md Nor, M., Ghavifekr, S., & Kenayathulla, H. B. (2018). Issues in Malaysian higher education: A quantitative representation of the top five priorities, values, challenges, and solutions from the viewpoints of academic leaders. SAGE Open, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018755839
Hood, C. (1995). The “new public management” in the 1980s: Variations on a theme. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 20(2–3), 93–109.
Jensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs, and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305–360.
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2019). Malaysian code of university good governance (MCUGG). Putrajaya: Ministry of Higher Education.
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. (2023). Higher education transformation agenda 2025: 7 key focus areas, 10 transformation agendas. Putrajaya: Ministry of Higher Education.
OECD. (2019). Enhancing governance in higher education institutions: A policy framework. Paris: OECD Publishing.
Rohana Ahmad, & Mazni Saad. (2019). The impact of Malaysian public sector in the relationship between transformational leadership styles and career development. International Journal of Public Administration. https://doi.org/10.1080/01900692.2019.1627555
Sarker, A. E. (2006). New public management in developing countries: An analysis of success and failure with particular reference to Singapore and Bangladesh. International Journal of Public Sector Management, 19(2), 180–203.
UNESCO. (2009). Trends in global higher education: Tracking an academic revolution. UNESCO Publishing.
Universiti Teknologi MARA. (2021). Universiti Teknologi MARA Act 1976 (Act 173) (Reprint as at 1 November 2021). Commissioner of Law Revision, Malaysia.
Wook, I., Haron, H., Shaari, R., Abd Ghani, Z., Mohad, A. H., & Md Yusof, A. F. (2022). Ethics and integrity in a public sector organisation in Malaysia: An assessment of understanding and perception of the employees. Journal of Governance and Integrity, 5(3), 382–392. https://doi.org/10.15282/jgi.5.3.2022.7442
Yidana, P., Joyce, A. A., Hajia, A. G., & Grace, M. B. (2023). Evaluation of administrative support services for quality assurance in higher education: Empirical review. Journal of Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Studies, 3, 87–104. https://doi.org/10.52589/JARMS-NTBUSQKI
Wan, C. D., Sirat, M., & Razak, D. (2020). Academic governance and leadership in Malaysia: Examining the national higher education strategic initiatives. Journal of International and Comparative Education, 9, 91–102. https://doi.org/10.14425/jice.2020.9.2.0913
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Hisham Ibrahim, Mohamed Imran Mohamed Arif, Mohd Azian Zaidi, Muhamad Abdul Aziz Ab Ghani, Ahmad Zoolhelmi Alias, Jona Hidayati Qamaruzzaman, Mohamad Hussaini Mohd Saleh

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.


