Dimensions of trust

WSAN Utrecht 2014

Joop Kessels, Secretary GeneralUtrecht University

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Key Data Utrecht University

• 1636• European Research University (LERU)• 29,755 students• 6,350 staff• 125,000 alumni

• Shanghai Rankings: No.57 (No.1 in NL)

• 4 strategic themes: science <>impact• innovative in education• Center of Utrecht Science Park

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University Administration

Academic Affairs

Communications & Marketing

Finance, Control, Administration

Human Resources

Information and Technology Services

Real Estate & Campus

Facility Services

Centre for Science, Communication and Culture

900 staff; budget 120 M€

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Leadership is the key to trust

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Abstract from a paper by a leading academic at a Dutch university, May 2014

TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE; CHALLENGES FOR MY UNIVERSITY

“I argue that, currently, as a consequence of our University not having explicated its scientific values nor having specified its goals, the University lacks an academic identity. I also argue that the University should explicitly recognize that it is a partnership of academic professionals and that it should organize itself accordingly. The organization should not be run as a firm, but by relying on faculty authority. I urge the University to explicate its scientific values and its goals and I advise it to focus on striving to be an excellent research university. The University should formulate explicit and ambitious goals and, to reach excellence, it shoud steadfastly follow the strategy of imitating the best US universities. The paper concludes with a 10-point action plan that could be implemented immediately. I am convinced that, by doing so, the University can make a difference.”

Leadership respects academic professionals

Leadership acts transparently and consistently

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Leadership acknowledges the university’s unique history.

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Thank you

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Leadership is generous, unassuming

Thank you

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Leadership is teamwork

Leadership is teamwork

you

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Leadership seeks out critical friends

Leadership makes decisions

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Leadership does not delegate role-model behaviour

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High-Trust Organization

. Leadership is key

. Leadership respects academic professionals

. Leadership acts transparently and consistently and has a clear strategy

. Leadership acknowledges the university’s unique history

. Leadership is generous, unassuming

. Leadership is teamwork

. Leadership seeks out critical friends

. Leadership makes decisions

. Leadership does not delegate role-model behavior

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Trust comes on foot and leaves on horseback

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Thank you

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