Jiahuan Qin

Drawing on new institutional economics as its theoretical foundation, this paper focuses on transaction cost theory, contract theory, and institutional change theory to conduct a systematic analysis of the “pre-tenure-track” system currently being implemented in Chinese universities. Through an examination of policy documents from Tsinghua University and Peking University-two institutions that have taken the lead in implementing this reform. First, this system is essentially designed to address the widespread information asymmetry in the academic labor market; through a dual “screening–incentive” mechanism, it reduces the high transaction costs associated with evaluating and monitoring scholars’ long-term capabilities and effort levels. Second, by combining short-term rigorous evaluations with long-term career security, the institutional design aims to encourage scholars to make in-depth “human capital-specific investments”. Third, in actual implementation, due to an imperfect supporting evaluation system, the system has also given rise to new organizational costs, such as the short-term orientation of evaluation metrics, goal-substitution behavior, and even academic rent-seeking.

New Institutional Economics; transaction costs; tenure-track system; “Promote or Leave”; university governance

[1] Zhang Zewei.“The Current Status and Issues of the Pre-tenure/Tenure Track Reform in‘Double First-Class’Universities:An Analysis Based on the Faculty Hiring Systems of 42‘Double First-Class’Universities”[J].Journal of Higher Education Research,2021,44(04):77-82+120. [2] Yi Ran,Zhang Xu.A Study on the“Promote or Leave”System for University Faculty from the Perspective of Transaction Cost Economics[J].University Education,2023,(14):1-4. [3] Chen Xiaoman,Fan Xiaodong.A Study on the Dilemmas of Academic Socialization Among Young University Faculty Under the“Promote or Leave”System[J].Modern University Education,2022,38(02):104-111. [4] Nie Yingyu,Guo Hengliang,Zhou Rui.The Impact of the“Pre-tenure”System on Faculty Research Performance from the Perspective of Scientific and Technological Innovation[J].China Science and Technology Forum,2023,(10):158-166+178. [5] Tsinghua University Recruitment Website.https://jobs.tsinghua.edu.cn/project/qhdx/pages/recruit_new/?#/develop,January 20,2026. [6] Peking University Human Resources Department.Notice on Issuing the“Regulations on the Series-Based Management of Teaching and Research Positions at Peking University.”https://hr.pku.edu.cn/docs/2025-03/b0638135f7e84d598f190c13cdeb64ba.pdf,January 20,2026. [7] Peking University Human Resources Department.Notice on Issuing the“Administrative Measures for Teaching and Research Personnel Applying for Appointments to Positions in the Teaching and Research Series,Teaching Series,and Research and Technical Series.”https://hr.pku.edu.cn/docs/2025-03/5ba0a1d0c49e470c8250c318cce11faa.pdf,January 20,2026. [8] Yin Kunxia.Exploring Pathways to Institutionalizing Vocational Education Industry-Education Integration Communities from the Perspective of New Institutional Economics[J].Investment and Cooperation,2025,(12):205-207. [9] Hou Jiayi,Cao Xiaoyun,Ding Ding.Current Status and Challenges of the“Pre-tenure-Track”System in Beijing’s Municipal Universities[J].Higher Architectural Education,2025,34(03):1-7. [10] Qin Guanying,Wang Yunhai,Qin Dongfang.Achievements,Issues,and Optimization Recommendations for the Reform of the Pre-tenure System in Chinese Universities[J].Chinese Higher Education,2025,(02):48-54. [11] Zhao Hui.A Study on the Impact of the Pre-tenure System on the Career Development of Young Faculty Members in Universities from a Game Theory Perspective[J].Higher Education Forum,2024,(12):32-36+59. [12] Li Wenjing.Practical Dilemmas and Pathways for Breakthroughs in China’s“Promote or Leave”Employment System in Higher Education Institutions[J].Broad Horizons,2024,(06):15-19. [13] Zhao Hui.A Study on the Effectiveness of the“Pre-tenure Track System”in Motivating University Faculty:A Perspective Based on the Two-Factor Theory[J].Research on Education and Teaching,2025,39(04):59-73. [14] Zhao Hui.The Construction of Academic Roles for Young Faculty Members in Higher Education Institutions under the“Pre-tenure Track System”:Influencing Factors and Development Strategies[J].Journal of Huaiyin Institute of Technology,2024,33(04):71-77. [15] Xu Xiaorong,Sun Min.The Institutional Logic,Practical Shortcomings,and Localized Adaptation of the“Promote or Leave”Appointment System in Higher Education Institutions[J].Heilongjiang Higher Education Research,2024,42(07):36-42. [16] Zeng Dongliang,Xie Zhichun.Institutional Framework for Faculty Members at Applied Universities to Engage in Corporate Practice:A Perspective Based on New Institutional Economics[J].Knowledge Economy,2018,(16):177-178.

点击下载PDF