An investigation into the contribution of institutional cultural paradigms to the effectiveness of postgraduate programmes: A comparative study of University of Moratuwa and University of Kelaniya

Although the state university system of Sri Lanka requires undergraduate degree programmes to be provided free of charge, postgraduate degree programmes and other services such as consultancy and research and development can be provided on income generating basis. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that the state university system is not operating up to its potential in providing commercially viable postgraduate programmes on profit making basis. This research questions whether the institutional cultural paradigms prevailing within the state university system impedes it from achieving strategic organizational objectives of survival, self-sustainability and growth. The study investigates and compares institutional cultural paradigms and effectiveness of postgraduate programmes of University of Moratuwa and University of Kelaniya, and investigates whether a particular paradigm is conducive for achieving strategic objectives than other cultural paradigms. For the study, a random sample of 100 senior academic and administrative staff responsible for postgraduate programmes of Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology of University of Moratuwa, and a random sample of 100 senior academic and administrative staff responsible for postgraduate programmes of Faculty of Science, Commerce and Management, Social Sciences, Humanities, Post Graduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, and Post Graduate Institute ofArchaeology of University of Kelaniya responded. The institutional culture was measured based on the dimensions proposed by Denison and Mishra (1995) that consist of four dimensions, namely Consistency, Adaptability, Involvement and Mission. The effectiveness of postgraduate programmes were measured based on the dimensions proposed by Cameron (1978) that consists of four dimensions, namely, Academic (Academic Development of students, Professional Development of Lecturers, Ability to acquire source), Morale, Adaptation to the External Environment and Field outside Programme. It was found that University of Moratuwa has more conducive institutional culture compared to University of Kelaniya, although certain Faculties of University of Kelaniya have scored higher in some institutional cultural dimensions compared to the Faculties of University of Moratuwa. A similar trend was observed in aspect of the effectiveness of postgraduate programmes as well. The research shows that healthy cultures lead to better effectiveness and technology oriented universities have comparatively conducive cultures that lead to greater effectiveness. This research will lay the foundation for future research into other factors influencing effectiveness and dynamics of existing cultural paradigms.