What is shared governance?

This conceptual article discusses models of modern university governance. Lately Russia witnesses the growing popularity of shared governance which is seen as one of effective governance models at universities. Russian researchers suggest different interpretations of this concept, including divided governance. Despite widespread usage of shared governance among university administrators, mechanisms and practices of effective governance remain unclear in Russia. Those who are willing to introduce shared governance at their universities face questions of what is shared governance and how it operates in everyday life. This article will analyze existing interpretations of shared governance, its main values and actors. It will also consider its impact on university efficiency and productivity. This article is based on the results of research project implemented by the European University in St. Petersburg in 2015. The project aims to analyze governance models at selected Western and Russian universities. This article presents the conceptual discussions on shared governance in academic studies and reflects on benefits and costs of this model. In the conclusion, the potential impact of shared governance on university efficiency will be considered. The main argument of the article is that there are multiple interpretations of shared governance which should be counted when transferring into or adapting it to a different institutional and cultural context.