The Comparative Law and Economics of Term Limits for Academic Leadership

This contribution discusses the arguments in favour and against strict term limits for full-time academic leaders (such as deans and rectors). It is argued that good reasons exist for limiting the time one can serve in such positions, including the need for faculty self-governance. Both legal-economic arguments and current practice – based on a brief empirical survey of the time deans at Dutch law schools and rectors at Dutch universities serve – suggest that a maximum period of six to eight years best suits the interest of university and faculty. This avoids academic leaders becoming vulnerable to interest groups, makes them more representative and responsive, promotes innovation, vitality and diversity and facilitates succession planning.