Geiger (1970) pointed to the crucial role played by voluntary,
nonofficial, governmental organisations in the United States.
Accreditation associations are self-governing, and, periodically,
revise institutional requirements and accreditation criteria. Institutional
accreditation in the United States has influenced uniformity
within sectors, but also has fostered diversity. Shawen (1983) noted
‘‘that many different institutions and agencies working both independently
and cooperatively can effectively govern our colleges and
universities’’ (p. 1). Thrash (1979) characterised accreditation as
‘‘uniquely a non-governmental process’’ (p. 116). During eras when
powerful tendencies towards centralisation and uniformity existed,
accreditation was instrumental in encouraging innovation anduniqueness. Trout (1979) suggested three assumptions: (1) assessment
of quality focuses on conditions for quality; (2) no common definitions
for quality; and (3) higher education has a significant production
function. The emergence of the ‘‘assessment movement’’ has
shifted focus to the third question. Woodhouse (1999) suggested that
accreditation addresses whether an institution qualifies for a certain
status. Students who attend an accredited institution know that the
institution will provide the programmes and services necessary for
success and that degrees will be recognised.