The changing nature of the academic deanship

The university as an organisation is changing, incorporating elements of private sector management in an academic setting. In these transforming universities, middle management has changed as well. In this contribution changes in the role and position of the academic deanship are analysed in more detail. On the basis of a literature review, a description of the deanship is provided, including the main challenges that this position entails. It is argued that the deanship has become more demanding, more senior, more strategic, more complex and more managerial in nature, though within the overall context of academe. The authors illustrate both the complexity and changing nature of the deanship by drawing on two empirical studies. Since research on middle management in universities is still rather thin, more research is welcome. Therefore the authors conclude with some suggestions for further research to enhance understanding of what is seen as a key management position within today's universities. [Author abstract]