The importance of implementing compliance programmes in higher education institutions

Abstract

Since the implementation of the Bologna Process, European universities have faced a paradigm shift aimed at meeting the demands of an increasingly informed society, the evolution of scientific and technological knowledge, and the challenges of employability. The management style of educational institutions has itself changed, recognising the importance of implementing compliance programmes that lead to a culture of ethics, transparency, equity and accountability that should be cultivated by everyone who is part of the education system. Since private education is an extremely competitive and regulated sector, the implementation of such programmes is even more decisive. It is in this context that this paper analyses a case study of a private higher education institution, the Higher Institute of Administration and Languages (Instituto Superior de Administração e Línguas). With this case study, one intends to analyse how this institution combats unethical practices and behaviours in the teaching process and scientific research and how it encourages a culture of integrity and quality. In recent years, these issues have assumed particular relevance for higher education institutions and, as such, they need in-depth scientific research.