Abstract:

The continually changing work environment requires higher education to reform its administration to remain competitive in the global economy. In order to successfully compete in a global market, universities have to focus on two of its principle administrative functions which are decision-making and communication. Both decision-making and communication in higher education should focus on three important perspectives of effective governance, communication strategies and structural reforms. Research on decision-making and communication indicate that leadership qualities are crucial in the strategic development of universities. A major outcome of globalization on higher education in Malaysia, is the proliferation of local private universities, including those that offer twinning programs in various disciplines with foreign universities. In this paper, the writers will attempt to: (a) evaluate the significance of organizational decision making and communication by referring to current research, and (b) to qualitatively analyze the administrative efforts of a private university in Malaysia in meeting the demands of globalization.

Keywords:

Decision-making, communication, higher education, engineering education.