The Study of Human Resource Development in National Higher Education Institutions in Taiwan: Faculty Appointments and Merit-Based Incentive Payment System

Faculty appointments and the merit-based incentive payment systems for human resource development (HRD) in higher education institutions (HEIs) are keys to improving the quality of education. Following previous explorations on the subject of HRD, this paper focuses on examining and reflecting on the current practices, dilemmas, and strategies of faculty appointments and merit-based incentive payment systems in Taiwan’s national universities. This serves as a context for responding to competition and challenges that are aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and quality of HEIs, especially those restricted by government regulations and funding subsidies. This study employs qualitative methods and builds on in-depth interview data from 15 experienced senior university faculty and administrative executives, who have contributed to academic endeavors and with personnel management backgrounds. This article addresses the following questions that are related to Taiwan’s national universities: what is the practical approach to achieve the needed faculty appointments for improving programs and a university’s bench strength in a research field or teaching; which guidelines and principles are essential for talent acquisition; what challenges do national universities face using a merit-based incentive payment system; and how to develop a merit-based incentive payment system strategy? The findings show that there are challenges in the procedures and governance structure of faculty appointments, and relevant guidelines based on the supply and demand of talent and institutional arrangements are provided. Moreover, the use of a merit-based incentive payment system should pay attention to disputes over the appropriateness of incentives and rationality of allocation. The establishment of supporting the long-term development of the university and the consideration of corresponding measures in advance with the times are also common consensus issues. Finally, based on the research outcomes, conclusions and suggestions to government bodies and HEIs are presented.