What Lies Behind Collegiality, Legitimation or Control?

It can be argued that `collegiality' has come to be the dominant paradigm for the effective management of educational institutions. This paper first offers a definition of collegiality in educational institutions; second, outlines the perceived advantages which have been presented in national and international perspectives; and, third, analyses some of the difficulties, dangers and anomalies inherent in such an approach to the governance of institutions. Although not completely dismissing such an all-embracing and widely held aspect of the contemporary culture of management, this paper concludes that collegiality, at least in its most `radical' form, can be exposed to powerful and ideological critiques.