Accreditation management in Ecuadorian universities facing the challenges of sustainability

Abstract

Evaluation and accreditation are one of the processes that has the greatest impact on quality management and the positioning of contemporary universities. In the case of Ecuador, progress is evident in these processes at both the national and international levels; however, there is still a long way to go to improve results and positioning compared to institutions in countries in the region and around the world. A pluralistic qualitative analysis was conducted that considered the multiparadigm approach and constructivism as a guide, incorporating theories such as systems, contingency, and adaptive systems. Document analysis and analysis-synthesis procedures provided a deeper understanding of the object of study and established a paradigm shift that will allow for improving the accreditation process at Ecuadorian universities in the face of sustainability challenges. The study is solely theoretical; however, the multiparadigm analysis revealed the need to shift accreditation practices from a normative and functionalist approach to one that is more interpretive, humanistic, and, above all, with a sustainability connotation. In this regard, it would be useful to promote the development of national and institutional systems that consider factors such as organizational culture, awareness-raising and consultation with social stakeholders, and cooperation.