The impact of rankings on universities: An exploration of CDR in China

This study focuses on the impact of a state-run university ranking scheme, Chinese Disciplinary Ranking (CDR), on universities. Based on semi-structured interviews and secondary data, this study analyzes the perceptions of university managers and academic staff. It examines how universities have reacted to the external evaluation, and whether CDR has resulted in changes and quality improvement in universities. It was found that the strong influence of the state and the significant implications of the CDR system have led universities to actively comply with the CDR performance indicators. University behavior has changed to some extent. University strategic plans and institutional policies have been altered, in relation to resource allocation, staff recruitment and evaluation policies, and internal quality assurance. Priority has been placed on areas that are more important for universities to obtain higher rankings. However, it remains controversial whether these changes have led to quality improvement.