The aim of the paper is a contextual analysis of universities in the Netherlands: an analysis of the key issues
and external developments, and how they affect the academic organization, the organization of academic work and the characteristics and preferences of scientists. Subsequently, we will discuss effects of these
developments on the HRM system and policy (and in specific the management of talent or excellence). We
will use multiple theoretical frameworks and perspectives grounded in organizational theory to describe Dutch
universities and their context: structural frame, professional frame, cultural frame and political frame. Most
literature discusses one aspect of the academic organization: education or research aspect, HRM aspect,
financial aspect et cetera. Seldom the different aspects have been presented as one integrated entity. We want to show that using multiple frames or lenses will lead to an integrated, enriched and more balanced view of a situation.