ABSTRACT This study examined how hierarchical positions within the global field of higher education influence the selection of strategic priorities by universities in different parts of the world. The study particularly focused on universities’ commitment to third missions as reflected in their strategic plans and compared to their global rankings. The findings demonstrate that top globally ranked institutions are generally less explicit about their commitment to the third mission relating to their geographic setting compared to mid/low and unranked institutions. Meanwhile, unranked institutions most consistently exhibit strategies in contributing to the local economy, recognising their local challenges and environment, and working for the benefit of their local community. This study informs debates on the intention and extent of the public good and missions of universities in light of the increasing dependence on ranking schemes.

中文翻译：

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以当地成本获得全球排名？地位的战略追求与第三使命

摘要 本研究考察了全球高等教育领域的等级地位如何影响世界不同地区大学对战略重点的选择。该研究特别关注大学对第三使命的承诺，这反映在它们的战略计划中，并与它们的全球排名进行比较。调查结果表明，与中/低和未排名的机构相比，全球排名靠前的机构通常不太明确他们对与其地理环境相关的第三项使命的承诺。与此同时，未排名的机构最一致地展示了为当地经济做出贡献的战略，认识到当地的挑战和环境，并为当地社区的利益而努力。