University corporate culture and educational identity in the era of globalization

Abstract

This study explores the dualistic nature of university corporate culture with a focus on its educational mission, contrasting “academic” and “entrepreneurial” models under the conditions of globalization. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines historical-comparative analysis, document content analysis of mission statements, and econometric modeling of Russian higher education funding, the research highlights how financial stability shapes not only organizational identity but also the quality and orientation of education. Findings reveal that well-funded universities in the West (e.g., Ivy League, Oxbridge) maintain the academic model centered on knowledge creation, humanistic values, and student development. In contrast, underfunded institutions in post-Soviet and Eastern European regions adopt entrepreneurial practices that prioritize market competitiveness and efficiency, influencing both teaching priorities and student outcomes. Regression analysis supports the hypothesis that resource scarcity drives educational adaptation toward the entrepreneurial model. The study concludes that sustainable funding and educational integrity remain decisive for preserving academic values in higher education, ensuring that universities fulfill their broader role as centers of learning and social development.