Abstract

Dr. Nicholas Zarb

Further education is perceived to be education’s Cinderella. To combat such a perception, a new metaphor of organizational alignment is delineated, drawing upon the importance of collaboration among different FE organizations. Current alignment theory is based on the premise of competition among such organizations, whereas its application in education is based on neoliberal theory. Such theories are generally eclectic in nature focusing on a number of attributes, such as strategy, mission, employees, clients, and social capital. While these attributes are important, organizational alignment may be better perceived as an organizational capability. A pragmatic approach is utilized to demonstrate the problems inherent in the neoliberal formulation of alignment. Problems include the role of actors within the educational system and the way alignment is perceived by such actors. Furthermore, collaboration, based on organizational networking, may helpfully lessen these problems and create a healthy and vibrant FE sector.