A qualitative research on the transformation process of tourism schools to faculties

The aim of this research is to investigate the transformation process of tourism schools to faculties since 2012 in Turkey. Within the scope of current research, units' reasoning for and the process of transformation which includes the adoption of new structures and practices congruent with faculty organizing, are discussed by institutional approach. Institutional change happens to be highly debated topic in new institutionalism and the transformation process of schools to faculties is decided to be an interesting case to discuss with arguments of new institutionalism. Qualitative research methods were benefited to answer the research questions for present dissertation study. The research techniques of documentary research, focus groups and interviews were used in the data development process. Websites and 4-year curriculums of transformed units, transcripts from three focus groups (with academicians, with administrative personnel of faculties and with students) and interviews were analyzed in accordance with qualitative data analysis techniques. According to research findings, the main motives for transformation were to gain prestige and have a better image, and to attain a better status both in the society and in the university as the parent organization. Findings also indicated that tourism schools have been waiting for transforming to faculties for a long time; thus transformation has its roots back from history. During the process of transformation the effect of isomorphic processes, decoupling in organizational practices, and pragmatic approach towards sustaining the practices of schools were also found as the results of analyses. Keywords: Tourism Education, New Institutionalism, Institutional Change, Transformation to Faculty, Qualitative Research