The importance of understanding independence to manage the performance of quality assurance agencies in higher education

Quality assurance agencies in higher education are typically expected to be independent not only from government but also from other main stakeholders such as higher education institutions and students. Nevertheless, they are subject to often conflicting pressures from their stakeholders that impact their independence. It is in that context that this article explores the facets of independence that are most important for quality assurance agencies to manage for them to function as independent authorities protecting students, employers and the public relying on higher education qualifications. This question was explored through a collective case study comprising document analysis and semi-structured interviews with four quality assurance agencies. The case studies revealed that independence is not absolute but a paradox constructed in practice through interactions and thus multiple interdependences with stakeholders that need to be managed for quality assurance agencies to assure the quality of educational outcomes.