University governance and institutional performance: an analysis of Brazilian federal university statutes

Abstract

Abstract Brazilian Federal Universities (BFUs), as part of the federal indirect administration, are governed by their university statutes. These normative instruments structure institutional governance by regulating aspects such as the functioning of governing councils, the allocation of public resources, the selection of the Rector, and the rights and duties of the academic community. This study analyzes the relationship between statutory characteristics and the academic and administrative performance of BFUs, focusing on identifying governance elements associated with superior outcomes. The analysis covers the statutes of 69 BFUs, employing a quantitative approach via panel data linear regression and a qualitative analysis of normative content. The performance indicators - the dependent variables - included the General Course Index (IGC), the Success Rate, and the Current Cost per Student. Results indicate that the mere existence of a statute is not associated with institutional performance. However, specific provisions, such as the accountability of governing councils, the method of selecting the Rector, student rights, and faculty evaluation mechanisms, show a correlation with performance indicators. This study contributes to the literature on university governance by highlighting the role of statutes in the institutional efficiency of Brazilian federal universities.