Market, accountability and public information in higher education

Abstract

The following article discusses the effects and limitations of accountability and the provision of public information in the Chilean higher education system, which is defined by the role played by the market as a coordination mechanism. Thus, results of a study on the information provided by Chilean universities through its websites are shown; demonstrating that the information of the processes and results is low in quantity and pertinence. It is stated that the use of few indicators of quality, which are related to research universities, stimulates the provision of information among this kind of universities, and inhibits accountability among low prestige universities.