A framework for understanding a conglomerate's acquisition of a private higher education institution in the Philippines

• Main Author: Ermita, Renato Carlos H., Jr.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Universities and colleges > Philippines; Conglomerate corporations > Philippines; Educational Leadership; Higher Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/1246
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study focuses on developing a framework for understanding a business conglomerates decision to acquire a family-owned HEI in the Philippines. It focuses on the motivations, challenges, plans, and strategies that led to a successful entry, taking into account the differences between corporate business and academic institutions. This research is a pioneering attempt to study the entry experience in acquiring Philippine HEIs as seen in schools such as CEU and UE. Dr. Robert K .Yin’s single case study approach was utilized for this research. The chosen HEI was First Republic University (FRU) which was acquired by the Taipan Group in 2008. Primary data were collected from individuals who were present during the transition. The data were later analyzed via triangulation involving secondary information and an interview with a representative of another conglomerate acquiring schools. From the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: 1.The identified opportunities for private HEI acquisition are multi-faceted in the form of both financial and social (CSR) objectives 2. Challenges for private HEI acquisition encompass social, political, and economic dimensions 3.The fundamental differences between a business entity and a private HEI are key factors to address in order to ensure long-term sustainability and success 4. Focus by an acquiring entity should be on the HEI’s structure and system, as well as people/culture aspects. It is recommended that further research be done utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to bolster the emergent theory. Furthermore, the scope should be expanded to take into account regional and global contexts.