Ethics at the Helm

This study explores the concepts of ethics and morality in the governance of university councils and university council members, focusing on their alignment with good governance principles. Through a qualitative research approach, the study synthesizes theoretical frameworks and conducts in-depth interviews with key informants from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, selected from six universities, two universities from each country. They comprise six council members or university council members from each institution, totaling seventy-two participants. Findings reveal the critical roles of university councils in policy formulation, risk management, and curriculum governance, emphasizing the need for integrity, transparency, and accountability. The study identifies core responsibilities of university councils, such as policy formulation, risk management, and curriculum governance, while underscoring the need for integrity and public-good focus. The research also proposes a training curriculum to enhance ethical practices among university leaders. Recommendations include limiting council memberships, recruiting qualified individuals, and ensuring external oversight to prevent conflicts of interest. This study provides a comprehensive framework for promoting ethical governance in higher education institutions.