A dualistic interpretation of value in higher education: Comparing students and academics’ perspectives

Purpose of the paper: Value has a variety of meanings in the Higher Education context. In fact, different stakeholders generally hold diverging perspectives about the drivers of value generated by Higher Education Institutions (HEI). This paper investigates the value perceptions of two strictly related categories of HEIs’ stakeholders: students and academics. Comparing their perspectives, the article suggests several conceptual and practical insights to realize excellence in the provision of higher education service Methodology: A case study approach was undertaken. A medium-sized public university located in the North of Italy was the subject of the analysis. A mixed, quali-quantitative study design was arranged to collect first-hand data about the value perceptions of 2,572 students and 232 academics affiliated with the case university. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the students and academics’ value perceptions; besides, a regression analysis permitted to illuminate the drivers of higher education service quality. Main Findings: Even though students and academics agreed on various value drivers, several diverging perspectives emerged. On the one hand, students were found to attach greater emphasis on the enrichment of the traditional learning offering delivered by the university with laboratories, apprenticeships, and empirical activities intended to improve their practical skills and attitudes, beyond their knowledge. On the other hand, academics were primarily interested in the internationalization of the institution and in the enhancement of the inter-organizational relationships between the university and its business stakeholders. Practical implications: Students and academics participate in co-generating the value produced by HEIs. From this standpoint, the ability to establish a bridge between their diverging expectations and perceptions is crucial to increase the quality and the perceived value of higher education services. Originality/value: The article compares the value perceptions and expectations of students and academics, triggering further conceptual and practical developments.