Democratic Practices in Higher Education in Vietnam: A Case Study of Nghe an University from Ho Chi Minh Thought

Democracy is a fundamental value and a driving force for innovation and improving the quality of higher education in the context of autonomy and international integration. In Vietnam, the practice of democracy in higher education institutions has received attention through various policies and guidelines issued by the Party and the State; however, this research employed a case study approach combined with a mixed-methods design. The research results indicate that the practice of democracy at Nghe An University has undergone positive changes, particularly in enhancing dialogue, promoting student participation in the classroom, and expanding channels for feedback and suggestions within the university's governance. However, democracy in some areas remains largely formal; the participation rights of lecturers and students in the decision-making process are still limited; and psychological and organizational cultural barriers still affect the substantive practice of democracy. Based on Ho Chi Minh's thought on democracy linked with discipline and responsibility, this paper discusses the theoretical and practical significance of the research findings and proposes several policy implications and recommendations to strengthen democratic practices in Vietnamese higher education. The research contributes to providing empirical evidence for studies on democracy in higher education and offers a reference basis for education administrators in the process of policy planning and implementation.