The influence of national quality assurance policies on institutional planning for internationalization processes of Chilean universities

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to identify any relation between the strategies defined in Chilean higher education institutions strategic planning and the compliance with both national accreditation criteria and the dimensions of an integrated internationalization approach, allowing to determine if standards and funding policies shape internationalization processes. Design/methodology/approach Strategic plans of 29 universities were analyzed using a nonexperimental qualitative–quantitative methodology. The institutions were categorized according to the scores obtained through the revision of objectives, aims and goals of their strategic plans. Key elements of integrated internationalization were used to identify the assimilation of such dimensions and the actions executed. Data were collected through documentary revision and scrutinized through content analysis using two dichotomous instruments. Results were examined using principal component and cluster analysis. Findings Chilean universities’ internationalization processes aim to fulfill national accreditation criteria but do not follow a comprehensive internationalization model, as shown by a 53.2% of compliance with the number of elements relating to internationalization accreditation criteria and a 27% of adherence with an integrated internationalization approach. Institutions are slowly evolving, blending isolated internationalization strategic elements and focusing on external guidelines. Research limitations/implications This study was performed through documentary analysis. The derived conclusions could further be complemented through interviews or the inclusion of institutional self-assessment reports for institutional accreditation purposes. Originality/value This paper demonstrates why Chilean universities need to take a qualitative step toward implementing an integrated internationalization approach, to make an even more tangible contribution to their internal and external communities.