Evaluation of Components Affecting the Promotion of a Service-oriented University: A Qualitative Analysis of the Views of Higher Education Experts

Background & Objective: The service-oriented method is a strategy based on responding to the needs of stakeholders that emphasizes processes such as the link between the world of research and business, introducing the capabilities of the university and dissemination of knowledge in society. Therefore, this study aimed to recognize and determine the components affecting the improvement of a service-oriented university (by serving the community). Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was performed using a content analysis technique. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was carried out following coding and analyzing the content of the themes. Overall, 15 experts in the field of the higher education system were selected by purposeful sampling based on the “theoretical saturation” rule. Results: In this study, the main components involved in the improvement of a service-oriented university included human resources, responsiveness and transparency, service methods, university autonomy, and academic freedom, university culture, flexible structure, leadership and university management, standardization and needs assessment, service quality regulation system, and technology and innovation. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, it is crucial to strengthen the components affecting the improvement of a service-oriented university. Accordingly, it is suggested that the foundation be laid by the higher education authorities of the country to realize this goal.