Quality as discourse: An analysis of external audit reports in Sweden 1995–1998

Abstract

During the period 1995–1998, all Swedish higher education institutions were evaluated by external audit panels in an effort to stimulate institutions to increased self‐regulation and to help universities and colleges to improve the quality of their activities. Such audit procedures have, however, raised the question as to what extent higher education institutions may become more homogenous and standardised at the expense of institutional diversity and uniqueness. The article addresses this question by analysing the recommendations and prescriptions for organisational change given in the external reports published in the period 1995–1998. The study shows that the audit groups have a relatively consensual opinion about ‘problem areas’ in Swedish higher education institutions. However, it is not given that recommendations and preconceptions about how institutions should change as a consequence will lead to an increased institutional standardisation.